The effects of drugs on intracranial pressure, cerebral perfusion pressure and histopathological investigation of the infarct areas in focal cerebral ischemia model in rats

Abstract

The effects of neuroprotective drugs in focal cerebral ischemia induced after MCA occlusion were investigated in adults rats. Group I rats (n:10) received nimodipine (1 mg/kg/min); Group II (n:10) etomidate (75 mg/kg, iv + 0.5 mg/kg/min iv maintenance); Group III (n:10) lidocaine (5 mg/kg iv + 0.4 mg/kg/min iv maintenance); Group IV (n:12) vehicle solution. In all groups rats were observed 300 min after MCAO and MABP, ICP measurements were recorded at 30 min intervals. There was no change in MABP values in Group I and II whilst these values decreased in Group III and IV. ICP increased in all groups. 24 h after occlusion in TTC stained brain sections smaller infarct areas were observed in Group I and II comparing to Group III and IV. Histopathological examination confirmed the findings. In conclusion, nimodipine has a protective effect on ICP, CPP and infarct area whereas etomidate has limited and lidocaine no effect at all.