Rut-bpy is a novel nitrosyl–ruthenium complex releasing NO into the vascular system. We evaluated the effect of Rut-bpy (100 mg/kg) on a rat model of brain stroke. Forty rats were assigned to four groups (Saline solution [SS], Rut-bpy, SS?ischemia–reperfusion [SS?I/ R] and Rut-bpy?ischemia–reperfusion [Rut-bpy?I/R]) with their mean arterial pressure (MAP) continuously monitored. The groups were submitted (SS?I/...