Remote ischemic postconditioning (RIPC) is suggested to protect the cerebral cell against ischemia in various settings. However, the effect of RIPC in patients with acute ischemic stroke who undergo thrombolysis has yet to be examined. In this single-center, randomized controlled trial, we examined the effect of RIPC on the resolution of nerve function deficient in response to thrombolysis. Patients in the RIPC group had five cycles of 5-min cuff inflation followed by 3-min deflation to the bilateral upper arm after thrombolysis. The primary endpoint was the recovery of nerve function deficient assessed by National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale(NIHSS), Activities of Daily Living(ADL), Modified Rankin Scale(mRS), CT cerebral perfusion imaging (CTP) and CT angiography(CTA). Secondary endpoints included the following: angiogenesis assessed by the level of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF).

Inclusion Criteria:

• In accordance with the Guideline of Thrombolysis in Acute Ischemic Stroke and accomplish intravenous thrombolytic therapy using alteplase;
• The consciousness of patients are conscious,somnolence,confusion and stupor，can comply better with the RIPC treatment;
• Acute ischemic stroke confirmed by cranial CT/MRI;
• Provision of written informed consent.

Exclusion criteria:

• History of cerebral embolism,cerebral hemorrhage, brain tumor, brain trauma or other brain lesion;
• Severe cardiac, liver, or kidney disease, malignancy, systemic organ dysfunction;
• Blood pressure <90/60 mmHg or >200/110 mmHg after treatment;
• Dementia or mental illness;
• History of major surgery or trauma 4 weeks prior to admission;
• Failure to provide informed consent.