Adverse biochemical and physiological effects of prostacyclin in experimental brain oedema

• Background: Prostacyclin (PGI(2)) and its stable analogues are known to reduce capillary hydraulic permeability. This study explores the biochemical and physiological effects of i.v. infusion of low-dose PGI(2) in an experimental model of vasogenic brain oedema. Methods: Twenty-seven anaesthetized and mechanically ventilated piglets with brain oedema induced by intrathecal injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) were used. Five of the animals received a continuous infusion of PGI(2) (1 ng kg(-1) min(-1)) i.v. Four microdialysis catheters were placed in the brain to measure interstitial concentrations of glucose, lactate, and glycerol. Mean arterial pressure (MAP), intracranial pressure (ICP) and temperature were monitored continuously. Low-dose infusion of PGI(2) started 1 h before the LPS injection and was constant during the study period. Results: Intracranial pressure increased significantly in animals treated with PGI(2). The increase in ICP was associated with significant cerebral biochemical changes: decrease in glucose, increase in lactate, increase in lactate/glucose ratio and increase in glycerol. Conclusion: In LPS-induced brain oedema i.v. infusion of low-dose PGI(2) caused a further increase in ICP and a perturbation of energy metabolism, indicating cerebral ischemia and degradation of cellular membranes.

Subject headings

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Anestesi och intensivvård (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Anesthesiology and Intensive Care (hsv//eng)

Keyword

microdialysis

lipopolysaccharide

lactate

intracranial pressure

glycerol

brain oedema

glucose

Publication and Content Type

art (subject category)

ref (subject category)