This randomized controlled trial investigates the effect of a single dose of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist in the subacute phase of stroke in humans. The primary endpoint is the mean flow velocity in the middle cerebral arteries measured by transcranial doppler and cortical oxygination measured by near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). The secondary endpoints are changes in endothelial/inflammatory biomarkers in the blood, changes in the ankle-brachial index and changes in the reactive hyperaemia index measured by EndoPAT2000.

Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists are widely used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes because of their ability to mimic the incretin hormone, GLP-1. GLP-1 increases glucose-dependent insulin secretion and thereby reduces the glucose level. Over the past few years, GLP-1 receptor agonists have been investigated as possible therapies for neurological disorders, due to their ability to cross the blood-brain-barrier. Evidence of the treatment of cerebrovascular diseases has been growing especially in animal stroke models. GLP-1 receptors, which are located in the central nervous system on neurons and endothelium, are upregulated in the brain due to ischemia. GLP-1 receptor agonists have shown anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic properties, and they may protect the cell from oxidative stress and may protect the endothelium. The inner lining of blood vessels, the endothelium, is an active component of the endocrine function. It affects the formation of blood clots and plays a role in the disease mechanisms of stroke. The current acute and prophylactic treatments of stroke mainly target platelet function, but not endothelial function.

This double-blinded, randomized, controlled, pilot trial investigates the effect of a single dose of the GLP-1 receptor agonist, exenatide, on cerebral blood flow velocity in the subacute phase of stroke in humans. The primary endpoint is the mean flow velocity in the middle cerebral arteries measured by transcranial doppler and cortical oxygination measured by near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). The secondary endpoints are the effects on the peripheral endothelium, hereby: 1) changes in the reactive hyperaemia index measured by EndoPAT2000, 2) changes in the ankle-brachial index, and 3) changes in endothelial/inflammatory biomarkers in the blood. The primary and secondary endpoints are measured before and up till three hours after administration of exenatide.

The overall hypothesis is that GLP-1 receptor agonists may represent a novel potential neuroprotective treatment in stroke. Parallel to this study we investigate the effect of GLP-1 receptor agonist on people free of cerebrovascular diseases (ref. to EGRABINS1).

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients ≥ 18 years with newly symptoms of stroke
• Able to receive exenatide/placebo within 21 days after onset of symptoms
• Radiological confirmed diagnoses of ischemic stroke
• NIHSS between 1-20 at the onset of symptoms
• modified rankin scale (mRS) ≤ 2 prior to onset of symptoms
• Has given written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Intracerebral haemorrhage
• Subdural / epidural hemorrhage
• Subarachnoid haemorrhage
• Previously major structural damage to the brain
• Diabetes type 1
• Diabetes type 2
• Known atrial fibrillation
• > 50% stenosis of internal carotid
• Known allergy to GLP-1 receptor agonists
• Hepatic impairment (ALT> 3 x upper normal limit)
• Renal impairment (eGFR <30 ml / min)
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Previous pancreatitis
• Heart failure (NYHA class 3-4)
• Pregnancy or lactation
• Patient unable to co-operate to the investigation procedures
• Visualization of the middle cerebral artery bilaterally by transcranial dopple not possible