In fact, Parp‐1 knockout mice are resistant to ischaemic stroke, as well as to LPS‐induced septic shock, and to streptozotocin‐induced diabetes (Eliasson et al, 1997; Burkart et al, 1999; Kuhnle et al, 1999; Masutani et al, 1999; Oliver et al, 1999; Pieper et al, 1999). This evidence concerns the gene PARP1 and ischemic stroke.