Effect of corticoids on the development of cerebral edema in experimental cerebral infarction
Bartko, D.; Reulen, H.J.; Schürmann, K.
Casopis Lekaru Ceskych 114(22): 676-681
1975
ISSN/ISBN: 0008-7335 PMID: 1139604 Document Number: 85253
The effect of steroids on regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF), regional metabolism and development of regional cerebral edema was assessed. Regional changes in blood flow and metabolism were produced by occlusion of the medial cerebral artery (ACM). Changes in the center, in the periphery and in the contralateral "healthy" hemisphere of the lesion were investigated. In untreated animals ischemia developed characterized by a significant drop of rCBF, increased lactate content, an increased lactate/pyruvate ratio, a decline of adenine nucleotides and energy charge potential (ECP), an increased H2O content and changes in the Na and K concentration in the cerebral cortex and white matter. Changes in the central part of the lesion were statistically significant and developed 30 min after occlusion of the ACM. At the periphery of the ischemic focus changes were minimal. In the next stage changes became more marked in the center and periphery of the lesion. In animals treated with Dexamethasone (0.3 mg/kg body weight per day i.p.) rCBF increased significantly, lactate concentration dropped, the lactate/pyruvate ratio decreased, adenine nucleotide level increased. ECP, rCBF and the energy conditions were more favorable in treated than in untreated animals. There was improvement in H2O content and Na and K concentration. Administration of steroids improves the adaptive capacity of the brain to focal ischemia as regards blood flow, energy metabolism and H2O content.