L-PDMP (L-threo-1-phenyl-2-decanoylamino-3-morpholino-1-propanol) exhibits stimulatory effects on glycosphingolipid biosynthesis and its neurotrophic actions in cultured neuron. The effects of intraperitoneal administration of L-PDMP on sphingolipid metabolism and behavioral changes in the rat following permanent occlusion of the left middle cerebral artery (MCA) were investigated. The L-PDMP treatment induced increases in glucosylceramide (ganglioside precursor) and sphingomyelin (SM) levels in the ischemic cerebral cortex, and improved acquisition of memory and learning in the Morris water maze task. The pharmacological effects of L-PDMP have been proposed to have a significant activity on promoting cell survival and improving neural functions.