For example, within the earliest 24–48 h after ischemia, the accumulation of HIF‐1α triggers a series of brain events related to pentose phosphate pathway inhibition and promotes neuronal apoptosis by upregulating the expression of downstream genes in neurons such as NKCC1 (Na+‐dependent chloride transporter 1) in rat.42, 57, 58. The gene discussed is HIF1A; the disease is ischemia.