We assessed the potency of these compounds as neuronal protective agents through measuring their toxicity degree to human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Ycells and cell viability in an in vitro model of cerebral ischemia, as well as their selectivity in HDAC1, 2, 3, 8 (Class I) and 6 (Class II) inhibition. The gene discussed is HDAC1; the disease is brain ischemia.