Up-regulation of Heme oxygenase-1 attenuates brain damage after cerebral ischemia via simultaneous inhibition of superoxide production and preservation of NO bioavailability

► Ad-HO-1 reduced infarct volume after transient cerebral ischemia. ► Ad-HO-1 improved neurological deficits after transient cerebral ischemia. ► Ad-HO-1 attenuated oxidative/nitrative stress after transient cerebral ischemia. ► Ad-HO-1 exerts neuronal protective effect by preserving NO bioactivity.