Neuroprotection and cardioprotection afforded by chelators with high affinity and specificity for cations of first transition series elements

Compounds that demonstrate chelation affinity and selectivity for first transition series elements are administered to patients suffering from such conditions as ischemia, prolonged seizures and trauma to provide neuroprotection, cardioprotection, or both. These compounds when administered form complexes with chelatable iron and copper cations and thereby mitigate the ability of these cations to catalyze Haber-Weiss reactions that form toxic hydroxy free radicals that cause tissue injury. These compounds also form complexes with chelatable zinc cations thereby inhibiting the cytotoxicity associated with excess chelatable zinc.