TISSUE INJURY stimulates increased local blood flow and an influx of leukocytes to initiate wound repair. This response involves leukocyte adhesion receptors, the release of biologically active substances, and microvascular changes that allow the invasion by leukocytes. Inflammation plays a vital role in tissue recovery, serving an integral part of the host immune defense system. In patients with cerebral ischemia, however, the early inflammatory processes are likely to be deleterious.