Schematic representation of the effects of vascular tPA and desmoteplase (DSPA) on the neurovascular unit. Both plasminogen activators traverse the BBB in a LRP-dependent process. Furthermore, desmoteplase antagonizes tPA-induced enhancement of NMDA-mediated neurotoxicity by competing for LRP at the BBB. However, only tPA influences NMDA-mediated neurotoxicity.