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Aim: Numerous studies have demonstrated the possible neuroprotective role of lithium treatment against neurological disorders. However, the role of lithium in delayed phase of neuronal death against focal ischemia has not been explored. Therefore, the present study was designed to investigate the effect and molecular mechanisms of post-lithium treatment against cerebral ischemic reperfusion (I/R) injury and associated cognitive deficits in rats. Methods: I/R injury was induced by right middle cerebral artery occlusion and lithium (40 and 60 mg/kg) were given intraperitoneally, 24 h after the insult and continued for 1 week with 24-h interval. Using Lasser Doppler, cerebral blood flow was monitored before, during and after MCAO induction. Besides behavioral, biochemical, and histological evaluation, levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) were also estimated …