Abstract: The invention relates to the use of EP.sub.2 receptor agonists as neuroprotective agents. In particular said compounds are represented by the formulae: ##STR1## wherein the broken line attachment to the cyclopentane ring or the omega chain indicates the .alpha. configuration and the solid line attachment to the cyclopentane ring or the omega chain indicates the .beta. configuration, R is hydrogen or a saturated or unsaturated acyclic hydrocarbon group having from 1 to about 20 carbon atoms, or --(CH.sub.2).sub.m R.sub.1 wherein m is 0-10, and R.sub.1 is an aliphatic ring having from about 3 to about 7 carbon atoms, or an aryl or heteroaryl ring having from about 4 to about 10 carbon atoms and wherein the heteroatom is selected from the group consisting of N, O and S.