The idea borne from basic sciences laboratories that tPA has a neurotoxic effect in the ischemic brain was in striking opposition to an almost simultaneous publication by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) of a clinical study indicating that IV treatment with rtPA leads to complete or nearly complete neurological recovery in a significant number of acute ischemic stroke patients (The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke rt-PA Stroke Study Group, 1995). This evidence concerns the gene PLAT and stroke disorder.