Showing papers in "Journal of Cerebral Blood Flow and Metabolism in 1989"

Calcium fluxes, calcium antagonists, and calcium-related pathology in brain ischemia, hypoglycemia, and spreading depression: a unifying hypothesis.

Abstract: It has been commonly assumed that calcium, which normally serves important functions as a membrane stabilizer, metabolic regulator, and sec­ ond messenger, also can mediate anoxic and toxic cell death (Schanne et aI., 1979; Farber, 1981; Trump et aI., 1981). It is then postulated that when the plasma membrane becomes unduly permeable to calcium, the free cytosolic concentration (Ca2+) rises to toxic levels. As applied to the brain, this hypothesis predicts that loss of cellular calcium ho­ meostasis underlies selective neuronal vulnerability in ischemia, hypoglycemia, and epileptic seizures (Siesj6, 1981; Meldrum, 1983; Raichle, 1983; for further literature, see Siesj6 and Wieloch, 1985; Siesj6, 1988). It should be clearly understood that ischemia, particularly if dense, causes all cells to loose their calcium homeostasis. The hypothesis predicts, therefore, that some cells are more vulner­ able than others because they have a higher density of calcium channels in their plasma membranes. Presumably, this could lead to untolerable local in­ creases in calcium concentration. In a recent extension of the calcium hypothesis, it was speculated that increased calcium cycling across ischemia-damaged membranes leads to a sustained rise in Ca2 + j and slow calcium overload of mitochondria, thereby causing delayed neuronal death (Deshpande et aI., 1987; see also Martins et aI., 1988). Dux et aI. (1987), inducing transient isch­ emia in the gerbil, recently assessed the time course of mitochondrial calcium deposits in glia cells and in pyramidal cells of the hippocampus CAl sector and

ATP and brain function

Abstract: The importance of A TP as the main source of chemical energy in living matter and its involve­ ment in cellular processes has long been recog­ nized. The primary mechanism whereby higher or­ ganisms, including humans, generate ATP is through mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation. For the majority of organs, the main metabolic fuel is glucose, which in the presence of oxygen under­ goes complete combustion to CO2 and H20: C6H1206 + 602 � 602 + 6H20 + energy ( 1) The free energy (.:lG) liberated in this exergonic re­ action is partially trapped as ATP in two consecu­ tive processes: glycolysis (cytosol) and oxidative phosphorylation (mitochondria). The first produces 2 mol of ATP per mol of glucose, and the second 36 mol of ATP per mol of glucose. In the latter case, 6 mol of ATP are contributed from the oxidation of 2 mol of NADH generated in the cytosol during gly­ colysis and transferred into the mitochondria indi­ rectly through various \"shuttle\" systems. (In the a-glycerophosphate shuttle, the yield of ATP per NADH is reduced from 3 to 2 because the relevant mitochondrial dehydrogenase is a flavoprotein­ linked enzyme). Thus, oxidative phosphorylation yields 1718 times as much useful energy in the form of ATP as can be obtained from the same amount of glucose by glycolysis alone. It is there­ fore not surprising that limitation of O2 supply pro­ duces very damaging effects on cellular function. The brain is one of the organs that is particularly sensitive to lack of oxygen and in humans at rest is responsible for 20% of total O2 consumption al­ though it accounts for only 2% of the body weight. The role of energy in the maintenance of central

Continuous Measurement of Cerebral Cortical Blood Flow by Laser—Doppler Flowmetry in a Rat Stroke Model:

Abstract: Laser-Doppler flowmetry (LDF), a new method allowing instantaneous, continuous, and noninvasive measurements of microcirculatory blood flow in a small tissue sample, was evaluated for its accuracy in monitoring regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) in the cortical microcirculation after focal cerebral ischemia. Wistar and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR, n = 19) were subjected to permanent occlusion of the middle cerebral and common carotid arteries. Absolute rCBF in a tissue sample of the ischemic hemisphere was measured autoradiographically with [14C]iodoantipyrine as a tracer and compared to rCBF measured by LDF. Additionally, the percent change in rCBF between baseline and ischemic values was compared for both methods. Absolute rCBF values recorded with LDF correlated poorly (r = 0.54) with [14C]iodoantipyrine measurements. In contrast LDF readings expressed as a percentage of ischemic vs. preocclusion readings (relative LDF readings) correlated very well (r = 0.91) with the percent change in [14C]iodoantipyrine measurements. We conclude that LDF does not provide accurate measurements of absolute rCBF values but this method allows accurate measurements of changes in rCBF due to induction of focal cerebral ischemia.

Kinetic analysis of central [11C]raclopride binding to D2-dopamine receptors studied by PET--a comparison to the equilibrium analysis.

Abstract: [11C]Raclopride binding to central D2-dopamine receptors in humans has previously been examined by positron emission tomography (PET). Based on the rapid occurrence of binding equilibrium, a saturation analysis has been developed for the determination of receptor density (Bmax) and affinity (Kd). For analysis of PET measurements obtained with other ligands, a kinetic three-compartment model has been used. In the present study, the brain uptake of [11C]raclopride was analyzed further by applying both a kinetic and an equilibrium analysis to data obtained from four PET experiments in each of three healthy subjects. First regional CBV was determined. In the second and third experiment, [11C]-raclopride with high and low specific activity was used. In a fourth experiment, the [11C]raclopride enantiomer [11C]FLB472 was used to examine the concentration of free radioligand and nonspecific binding in brain. Radio-activity in arterial blood was measured using an automated blood sampling system. Bmax and Kd values for [11C]raclopride binding could be determined also with the kinetic analysis. As expected theoretically, those values were similar to those obtained with the equilibrium analysis. In addition, the kinetic analysis allowed separate determination of the association and dissociation rate constants, kon and koff, respectively. Examination of [11C]raclopride and [11C]FLB472 uptake in brain regions devoid of specific D2-dopamine receptor binding indicated a fourth compartment in which uptake was reversible, nonstereoselective, and nonsaturable in the dose range studied.

Dynamics of extracellular metabolites in the striatum after middle cerebral artery occlusion in the rat monitored by intracerebral microdialysis.

Abstract: The aim of this study was to measure changes in the extracellular fluid (ECF) concentration of lactate, pyruvate, purines, amino acids, dopamine, and dopamine metabolites in the striatum of rats subjected to focal cerebral ischemia, using intracerebral microdialysis as the sampling technique. Microdialysis probes were inserted into the lateral part of the caudate-putamen bilaterally 2 h before the experiment. Ischemia was induced by permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) on the left side. Microdialysis samples were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography. Following MCAO, the concentration of lactate, adenosine, inosine, and hypoxanthine rose markedly in the ECF on the occluded side, while there was no significant change in pyruvate. These changes were accompanied by dramatically elevated levels of aspartate, glutamate, taurine, gamma-aminobutyric acid, and dopamine. There was also a marked increase in alanine/tyrosine, while minor or no changes occurred with other amino acids. Concomitantly, the ECF level of the dopamine metabolites 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetate and homovanillic acid decreased. There was no significant increase in any of the metabolites measured on the right, nonoccluded side. In relation to the concept of excitotoxicity in brain ischemia, it is concluded that during the acute stage of focal cerebral ischemia, the ECF is flooded with both potentially harmful (e.g., aspartate, glutamate, and DA) and protective (e.g., taurine, GABA, and adenosine) agents. The relative importance of these events for the development of cell death in the ischemic penumbra needs to be elucidated. In addition, lactate, inosine, and hypoxanthine, measured in the ECF by intracerebral microdialysis, may prove to have diagnostic and/or prognostic value in neurometabolic monitoring of the ischemic brain.

Localisation in PET images: direct fitting of the intercommissural (AC-PC) line.

Abstract: Summary: A technique is described for estimating the po­ sition of the intercommisural line (AC-PC line) directly from landmarks on positron emission tomographic (PET) images, namely the ventral aspects of the anterior and posterior corpus callosum, the thalamus, and occipital pole. The relationship of this estimate to the true AC-PC line, fitted through the centres of the anterior and poste­ rior commissures, showed minimal vertical and angular displacement when measured on magnetic resonance im­ aging (MRI) scans. Using regression analysis, the ease and reliability of fitting to these points was found to be high. This directly derived AC-PC line estimate was valWith the increasing spatial and temporal resolu­ tion of positron emission tomography (PET) tech­ niques, neurophysiologic al questions formulated in terms of functional anatomy can be answered with greater precision. Differences in local or genera­ lised metabolic activity or other functional variables may be measured by comparing the brain in two different states. These differences may only be­ come apparent when large numbers of scans from many subjects are pooled. Furthermore, differences characterising pathological groups may not be valid unless they can be demonstrated consistently for a large number of patients.

Ischemic Damage in Hippocampal CA1 is Dependent on Glutamate Release and Intact Innervation from CA3

Abstract: Summary: The removal of glutamatergic afferents to CAl by destruction of the CA3 region is known to protect CA I pyramidal cells against 10 min of transient global isch­ emia. To investigate further the pathogenetic significance of glutamate, we measured the release of glutamate in intact and CA3-lesioned CAl hippocampal tissue. In in­ tact CAl hippocampal tissue, glutamate increased sixfold during ischemia; in the CA3-lesioned CAl region, how­ ever, glutamate only increased 1.4-fold during ischemia. To assess the neurotoxic potential of the ischemia­ induced release of glutamate, we injected the same con­ centration of glutamate into the CAl region as is released during ischemia in normal, CA3-lesioned, and ischemic

A Highly Accurate Method of Localizing Regions of Neuronal Activation in the Human Brain with Positron Emission Tomography

Abstract: Functional mapping of the human brain with positron emission tomography (PET) can best be performed by obtaining multiple short measurements of cerebral blood flow in a single sitting. In this manner regional changes in blood flow accompanying the increased neuronal activity from a movement, sensation, or even cognition task, have been identified. However, localizing a functional region with PET has been severely limited by the poor resolving properties of PET devices. Using a new method of data analysis we recently reported the mapping of visual field stimuli on human visual cortex with surprisingly high reliability as measured by the low standard deviation in positions across different subjects (as low as 1 mm). In this work the analysis technique enabling such high-resolution functional brain mapping is fully described. Additionally, simulations are presented to illustrate its advantages and limitations.

The metabolic effects of mild hypothermia on global cerebral ischemia and recirculation in the cat: comparison to normothermia and hyperthermia.

Abstract: The metabolic effects of graded whole body hypothermia on complete global cerebral ischemia and recirculation was investigated in the cat. Hypothermia was induced to one of three levels prior to ischemia; T = 26.8° ± 0.5° (n = 4), T = 32.1° ± 0.2°C (n = 5), and T = 34.6° ± 0.3°C (n = 6), and maintained constant throughout 16 min of ischemia and 1.5–2 h of recirculation. Intracellular cerebral pH and relative concentrations of high-energy phosphate metabolites were continuously monitored, using in vivo 31P nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Except for the first 4 min of ischemia, no significant differences were detected in the response of adenylate intensities and intracellular pH to ischemia and recirculation between the hypothermic groups. The three hypothermic groups were then pooled into one group, and the data compared to previously published data from a normothermic group, T = 38.4° ± 0.6°C (n = 14), and a hyperthermic group, T = 40.6° ± 0.2°C (n = 9), subjected to the identical ischemic ...

Effects of traumatic brain injury on regional cerebral blood flow in rats as measured with radiolabeled microspheres.

Abstract: To clarify the effect of experimental brain injury on regional CBF (rCBF), repeated rCBF measurements were performed using radiolabeled microspheres in rats subjected to fluid-percussion traumatic brain injury. Three consecutive microsphere injections in six uninjured control rats substantiated that the procedure induces no significant changes in hemodynamic variables or rCBF. Animals were subjected to left parietal fluid-percussion brain injury of moderate severity (2.1-2.4 atm) and rCBF values were determined (a) prior to injury and 15 min and 1 h following injury (n = 7); and (b) prior to injury and 30 min and 2 h following injury (n = 7). At 15 min post injury, there was a profound reduction of rCBF in all brain regions studied (p less than 0.01). Although rCBF in the hindbrain had recovered to near-normal by 30 min post injury, rCBF in both injured and contralateral (uninjured) forebrain areas remained significantly suppressed up to 1 h post injury. At 2 h post injury, recovery of rCBF to near-normal values was observed in all brain regions except the focal area of injury (left parietal cortex) where rCBF remained significantly depressed (p less than 0.01). This prolonged focal oligemia at the injury site was associated with the development of reproducible cystic necrosis in the left parietotemporal cortex at 4 weeks post injury. Our results demonstrate that acute changes in rCBF occur following experimental traumatic brain injury in rats and that rCBF remains significantly depressed up to 2 h post injury in the area circumscribing the trauma site.

Enhancement of Iron-Catalyzed Free Radical Formation by Acidosis in Brain Homogenates: Difference in Effect by Lactic Acid and CO2

Abstract: The influence of lactic acidosis and of extreme hypercapnia on free radical generation and lipid peroxidation in brain tissues was studied. Cortical homogenates were prepared from the rat brain in a bicarbonate buffer and incubated for 60 min. Lipid peroxidation was evaluated by measurements of thiobarbituric acid reactive (TBAR) material and alpha-tocopherol analysis. The pH during incubations were decreased to 6.10-6.20 by either lactic acid administration or equilibration with 60% CO2 gas in paired experiments. In homogenates treated with lactic acid there was a 20-fold increase in TBAR material and the alpha-tocopherol concentration decreased to approximately 60% of control. There was only a 10-fold increase in TBAR material and no change in alpha-tocopherol concentration if acidosis was induced by CO2. These differences between lactic acidosis and hypercapnic acidosis were statistically highly significant. The results indicate that lactic acidosis has a more pronounced effect in augmenting free radical generation in brain tissues than acidosis due to an increase in CO2 tension. It is suggested that this effect of lactic acid is mediated by increased dissociation of catalytic iron from proteins of the transferrin type.

Multicompartmental Analysis of [11C]-Carfentanil Binding to Opiate Receptors in Humans Measured by Positron Emission Tomography

Abstract: [11C]-Carfentanil is a high affinity opiate agonist that can be used to localize mu opiate receptors in humans by positron emission tomography (PET). A four-compartment model was used to obtain quantitative estimates of rate constants for receptor association and dissociation. PET studies were performed in five normal subjects in the absence and presence of 1 mg/kg naloxone. Arterial plasma concentration of [11C]-carfentanil and its labeled metabolites were determined during each PET study. The value of k3/k4 = Bmax/kd was determined for each subject in the presence and absence of naloxone. There was a significant reduction in the value of k3/k4 from 3.4 ± 0.92 to 0.26 ± 0.13 in the thalamus (p < 0.01) and from 1.8 ± 0.33 to 0.16 ± 0.065 in the frontal cortex (p < 0.001). Mean values of frontal cortex/occipital cortex and thalamus/occipital cortex ratios were determined for the interval 35–70 min after injection when receptor binding is high relative to nonspecific binding. The relationship between the me...

Direct evidence for acute and massive norepinephrine release in the hippocampus during transient ischemia.

Abstract: Recent studies suggest the norepinephrine (NE) may play a regulatory role in neuronal cell death in the hippocampus after transient ischemia. However, ischemia-induced changes in extracellular NE r...

Retrograde tracing of nerve fibers to the rat middle cerebral artery with true blue: colocalization with different peptides.

Abstract: The origin of nerve fibers to the rat middle cerebral artery was studied by retrograde tracing with the fluorescent tracer True Blue (TB) in combination with immunocytochemistry to known perivascular peptides. Application of TB to the middle cerebral artery labeled nerve cell bodies in the ipsilateral superior cervical ganglion, the otic ganglion, the sphenopalatine ganglion, the trigeminal ganglion, and the cervical dorsal root ganglion at level C2. A few labeled nerve cell bodies were seen in contralateral ganglia. Judging from the number and intensity of the labeling, the superior cervical ganglion and the trigeminal ganglion and dorsal root ganglion at level C2 contributed most to the innervation. A moderate number of nerve cell bodies were labeled in the sphenopalatine and otic ganglia. The TB-labeled nerve cell bodies were further examined for the presence of neuropeptides. For that purpose antibodies raised against neuropeptide Y (NPY), vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), substance P (SP) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) were used. A considerable portion of the TB-labeled nerve cell bodies in the superior cervical ganglion contained NPY. About half of the labeled nerve cell bodies in the sphenopalatine and otic ganglia contained VIP. In the trigeminal ganglion and in the dorsal root ganglion at level C2, one-third of the TB-labeled nerve cell bodies were CGRP-immunoreactive, while only few nerve cell bodies contained SP. The study provides direct evidence for the origin of cerebrovascular peptidergic nerve fibers and demonstrates that not only ipsilateral but also contralateral ganglia contribute to the innervation of the cerebral circulation.

Hypoxia-Induced Dysfunctions and Injury of Astrocytes in Primary Cell Cultures:

Abstract: The effects of severe hypoxia were studied in a primary culture of astrocytes prepared from newborn rat cerebral cortex. Hypoxia was created by placing cultures in an airtight chamber that was flushed with 95% N2/5% CO2 for 15 min before being sealed. The hypoxic environment was maintained constant for up to 24 h. During the first 12 h of hypoxia, astrocytes showed no morphological changes by phase-contrast microscopy. After 18 h of hypoxia, some astrocytes in culture became swollen and started to detach from the culture dish. All cells in the culture were destroyed after 24 h of hypoxia. The lactate dehydrogenase level in the culture medium increased more than tenfold between 12 and 24 h of hypoxia. Glutamate uptake was inhibited 80% by similar hypoxic conditions. The cell volume of astrocytes, as measured by 3-O-methyl-[14C]-D-glucose uptake, was increased. These observations suggested cell membrane dysfunction. The malondialdehyde level of hypoxic cultures increased two-fold after 24 h of hypoxia. Verapamil (0.5 mM), furosemide (1 mM), indomethacin (1 mM), MgCl2 (10 mM), and mannitol (10 mM) reduced but never completely abolished the release of lactate dehydrogenase from hypoxic astrocytes. These data suggest multifactorial causes for severe injury in hypoxic astrocytes.

The Effects of Extracellular Acidosis on Neurons and Glia in vitro

Abstract: Cerebral lactic acid, a product of ischemic anaerobic glycolysis, may directly contribute to ischemic brain damage in vivo. In this study we evaluated the effects of extracellular acid exposure on 7-day-old cultures of embryonic rat forebrain. Mixed neuronal and glial cultures were exposed to either lactic or hydrochloric acid to compare the toxicities of relatively permeable and impermeable acids. Neurons were relatively resistant to extra-cellular HCl acidosis, often surviving 10-min exposures to pH 3.8. In the same cultures, immunochemically defined astrocytes survived 10-min HCl exposures to a maximum acidity of pH 4.2. Similarly, axonal bundles defasciculated in HCl-titrated media below pH 4.4, although their constituent fibers often survived pH 3.8. Cell death occurred at higher pH in cultures subjected to lactic acidosis than in those exposed to HCl. Over half of forebrain neurons and glia subjected for 10 min to lactic acidification failed to survive exposure to pH 4.9. Longer 1-h lactic acid incubations resulted in cell death below pH 5.2. The potent cytotoxicity of lactic acid may be a direct result of the relatively rapid transfer of its neutral protonated form across cell membranes. This process would rapidly deplete intracellular buffer stores, resulting in unchecked cytosolic acidification. Neuronal and glial death from extracellular acidosis may therefore be a function of both the degree and the rapidity of intracellular acidification.

Use of PET Methods for Measurement of Cerebral Energy Metabolism and Hemodynamics in Cerebrovascular Disease

Abstract: During the last decade, significant advances in the understanding of the pathophysiological mech­ anisms of stroke in humans have been achieved through the use of positron emission tomography (PET) for the measurement of cerebral energy me­ tabolism and hemodynamics (see Reviews by Baron, 1985; Frackowiak, 1985; Powers and Ra­ ichle, 1985; Pawlik et aI., 1985; Ackerman et aI., 1985), Every year, new PET centers begin research programs in stroke, while refinements in present methodology as well as new methods are described, The advantages, disadvantages, and limitations of each method become increasingly difficult to delin­ eate from the available complex literature, while the application in cerebrovascular disease has specific problems. The risks that poor coordination of re­ search and that poor communication of results may develop are therefore real. Following the EEC (European Economic Com­ munity) Workshop on Clinical Efficacy of PET, held in Cologne in October 1986 (Heiss et aI., 1987), it was agreed that an expert workshop would be organized with the aim of establishing guidelines for the implementation and use of PET methods for measuring cerebral hemodynamics and energy me­ tabolism in cerebrovascular disease (CVD), under the auspices of the Commission of the European Communities in Brussels. This workshop would

The effect of nimodipine on the evolution of human cerebral infarction studied by PET

Abstract: Fourteen patients were studied by positron emission tomography (PET) within 48 h of onset of a hemispheric ischemic stroke and again 7 days later After the first set of PET scans, the patients were randomized to receive either nimodipine (n = 7) or a carrier solution (n = 7) by intravenous infusion The infusions were maintained until the end of the second PET studies CBF, cerebral blood volume (CBV), oxygen extraction ratio (OER), CMRO2, and CMRglc were measured each time These metabolic and perfusion measurements were performed by standard methods A surface map of each metabolic and perfusion measurement in the cortical mantle was generated by interpolating between the available slices The various surface maps representing the physiological characteristics determined in the same or subsequent studies were aligned so that all data sets could be analyzed identically using an array of square regions of interest (ROIs) The functional status of each ROI was recorded at the two intervals following the cerebrovascular accident to characterize the evolution of the infarct, penumbra, and normal brain regions We presumed the ischemic penumbra to be cortical regions in the proximity of the infarct and perfused at CBF values between 12 and 18 ml/100 g/min on the first PET scan, while densely ischemic regions had CBF of less than 12 nl/100 g/min and normally perfused brain greater than 18 ml/100 g/min In the densely ischemic zone, CBF increased more in the nimodipine-treated group than in the carrier group As well, in this region nimodipine reversed the decline in CMRO2 noted in the carrier group, the difference in the changes being significant In the penumbra zone, comparable trends were noted in OER and CMRO2 but the difference in the changes between the two groups did not reach statistical significance Changes in CMRglc and CBV were comparable between the two groups in both cortical regions

Delayed hypoperfusion after incomplete forebrain ischemia in the rat. The role of polymorphonuclear leukocytes.

Abstract: The role of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNLs) in postischemic delayed hypoperfusion in the rat brain was investigated. Cerebral ischemia was accomplished by reversible bilateral occlusion of the common carotid arteries for 15 min combined with bleeding to an MABP of 50 mm Hg. The animals of one group were depleted of their circulating PMNLs by intraperitoneal injections of an antineutrophil serum (ANS) prior to the experiment. All animals included in this group had fewer than 0.2 × 109 circulating PMNLs/L at the start of the experiments. In another group ANS was injected intravenously for 5 min starting 2 min after the ischemic insult. After 4 min of recirculation, the number of circulating PMNLs in this group was below 10% of the normal. Control animals were injected with the same amount of normal sheep serum or were not treated at all. Sixty minutes after termination of ischemia, the local blood flow in previously ischemic cerebral structures was 40–50% of the normal as measured with the [14C]iodoant...

Ischemic flow threshold for extracellular glutamate increase in cat cortex.

Abstract: Extracellular glutamate (Glu), cerebral blood flow (CBF), and auditory-evoked potentials (AEPs) were measured concurrently using microdialysis and hydrogen clearance in the auditory cortex of anesthetized cats during global ischemia of various severities. A threshold-type relationship was observed between extracellular Glu and CBF: Glu increased at CBF levels below about 20 ml/100 g/min. The Glu increase was related to the impairment of AEPs. The results suggest that Glu neurotoxicity is an important factor for ischemic neuronal injury even in penumbra.

Glycolysis-induced discordance between glucose metabolic rates measured with radiolabeled fluorodeoxyglucose and glucose.

Abstract: We have developed an autoradiographic method for estimating the oxidative and glycolytic components of local CMRglc (LCMRglc), using sequentially administered [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) and [14C]-6-glucose (GLC). FDG-6-phosphate accumulation is proportional to the rate of glucose phosphorylation, which occurs before the divergence of glycolytic (GMg) and oxidative (GMo) glucose metabolism and is therefore related to total cerebral glucose metabolism GMt: GMg + GMo = GMt. With oxidative metabolism, the 14C label of GLC is temporarily retained in Krebs cycle-related substrate pools. We hypothesize that with glycolytic metabolism, however, a significant fraction of the 14C label is lost from the brain via lactate production and efflux from the brain. Thus, cerebral GLC metabolite concentration may be more closely related to GMo than to GMt. If true, the glycolytic metabolic rate will be related to the difference between FDG- and GLC-derived LCMRglc. Thus far, we have studied normal awake rats, rats with limbic activation induced by kainic acid (KA), and rats visually stimulated with 16-Hz flashes. In KA-treated rats, significant discordance between FDG and GLC accumulation, which we attribute to glycolysis, occurred only in activated limbic structures. In visually stimulated rats, significant discordance occurred only in the optic tectum.

Lack of Capillary Recruitment in the Brains of Awake Rats during Hypercapnia

Abstract: The present study investigates the question of whether increases in CBF induced by hypercapnia in awake rats are accompanied by increases in the number of perfused capillaries. For the detection of perfused capillaries, gamma-globulin-coupled fluorescein isothiocyanate was injected intravenously. In 10 brain structures the density of perfused capillaries per square millimeter was determined from coronal sections using a highly sensitive fluorescent microscopical method that, in contrast to others, avoided air drying of the frozen brain sections. The results showed an inhomogeneous local distribution of the density of perfused capillaries during normo- and hypercapnia. The density of perfused capillaries was unchanged during hypercapnia compared with normocapnia, although blood flow was markedly increased. It is concluded that a capillary recruitment does not exist in the brain during the high-flow situation of hypercapnia.

Cerebral blood flow before and after cardioversion of atrial fibrillation.

Abstract: In nine patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) of <3 months' duration, CBF was measured the day before and after and again 30 days after electrical cardioversion therapy to sinus rhythm. The day before cardioversion therapy, median CBF (expressed as initial slope index 1, ml/100 g · min−1) was 35.8 and the day after it was 37.1. After 30 days in sinus rhythm, CBF was 39.4 (NS), although the end-tidal Pco2 values were lower than the pretreatment values. After correction for changes in end-tidal Pco2, the median CBF had increased significantly from 35.8 to 40.3 on day 1 and to 46.7 on day 30. The reduced CBF during AF could be a contributing factor in the development of cerebrovascular complications in patients with AF.

Effect of the NMDA antagonist MK-801 on local cerebral blood flow in focal cerebral ischaemia in the rat.

Abstract: The effects of MK-801 upon local CBF after permanent middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion have been examined using [14C]iodoantipyrine autoradiography in halothane-anaesthetised rats. MK-801 (0.5 mg kg-1 i.v.) or saline was administered 30 min before MCA occlusion and CBF measured ∼40 min after occlusion. In the hemisphere contralateral to the occluded MCA, MK-801 significantly reduced local CBF in 19 of the 22 regions examined from the levels in saline-treated rats. In the contralateral hemisphere, after treatment with MK-801, blood flow was reduced by an average of 37% with little variation in the magnitude of the reductions in different regions. In the hemisphere ipsilateral to MCA occlusion, MK-801 reduced CBF in almost every region located outside the territory of the occluded MCA. Within the territory of the occluded MCA, blood flow in the MK-801–treated rat did not significantly differ from values in vehicle-treated rats in any of the five cortical areas examined, although in the caudate nucleus ...

Sequential metabolic changes in rat brain following middle cerebral artery occlusion a 2-deoxyglucose study

Abstract: The distribution and time course of altered cerebral metabolism following permanent focal ischemia was studied in rat using the 2-deoxyglucose (2DG) technique. Increased 2DG uptake preceded decreased 2DG uptake and infarction in the caudate putamen and cortex. Decreased 2DG uptake without infarction was observed for 72 h in thalamus and for 24 h in hippocampus (areas remote from the ischemic zones). This study supports the concept of cell excitation as a pathophysiologic process in permanent focal ischemia. The time course of increased metabolism may demarcate the time window of opportunity for the previously demonstrated attenuation of stroke size with inhibition of cell excitation by pharmacologic blockade of excitatory amino acid neurotransmission.

Endothelium-Dependent Dilation of Feline Cerebral Arteries: Role of Membrane Potential and Cyclic Nucleotides:

Abstract: The objective of this study was to characterize the role of membrane potential and cyclic nucleotides in endothelium-dependent dilation of cerebral arteries. Middle cerebral arteries isolated from cats were depolarized and constricted in response to serotonin or when subjected to transmural pressures >50 mm Hg. Acetylcholine (ACh) and ADP caused vasodilation and a sustained, dose-dependent hyperpolarization of up to 20 mV in this artery. The membrane potential change preceded the vasodilation by ∼6 s. Hyperpolarizations and dilations to ACh and ADP did not occur in preparations without endothelium. The hyperpolarizations were abolished by ouabain (10−5M), which also blocked the dilator response to ACh. However, dilations to ADP were unaffected by ouabain. Methylene blue (5 × 10−5M), a guanylate cyclase inhibitor, had no effect on the responses to ACh or ADP in the presence or absence of ouabain. Cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) levels were not altered in cerebral arteries exposed to ACh or ADP. Howev...

Effects of MK-801 upon local cerebral glucose utilisation in conscious rats and in rats anaesthetised with halothane.

Abstract: The effects of MK-801 (0.5 mg/kg i.v.), a non-competitive N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) antagonist, upon local cerebral glucose utilization were examined in conscious, lightly restrained rats and in rats anaesthetised with halothane in nitrous oxide by means of the quantitative autoradiographic (14C)-2-deoxyglucose technique. In the conscious rats, MK-801 produced a heterogenous pattern of altered cerebral glucose utilization with significant increases being observed in 12 of the 28 regions of gray matter examined and significant decreases in 6 of the 28 regions. Pronounced increases in glucose use were observed after MK-801 in the olfactory areas and in a number of brain areas in the limbic system (e.g., hippocampus molecular layer, dentate gyrus, subicular complex, posterior cingulate cortex, and mammillary body). In the cerebral cortices, large reductions in glucose use were observed after administration of MK-801, whereas in the extrapyramidal and sensory-motor areas, glucose use remained unchanged after MK-801 administration in conscious rats. In the halothane-anaesthetised rats, the pattern of altered glucose use after MK-801 differed qualitatively and quantitatively from that observed in conscious rats. In anaesthetised rats, significant reductions in glucose use were noted after MK-801 in 10 of the 28 regions examined, with no area displaying significantly increased glucose use after administrationmore » of the drug. In halothane-anaesthetised rats, MK-801 failed to change the rates of glucose use in the olfactory areas, the hippocampus molecular layer, and the dentate gyrus.« less

Postischemic Administration of Idazoxan, an α-2 Adrenergic Receptor Antagonist, Decreases Neuronal Damage in the Rat Brain

Abstract: The effect of an α-2 receptor antagonist, idazoxan, on ischemic neuronal damage in the hippocampus and neocortex was studied in rats following 10 min of forebrain ischemia. Idazoxan was given 0.1 mg/kg i. v. immediately after recirculation, followed by 48 h of continuous infusion at a rate of 10 μg/kg/min. A histopathological examination of the CA1 region of the dorsal hippocampus and neocortex from each hemisphere was made on paraffin-embedded sections following 7 days of survival. In ischemic animals receiving an infusion of saline, 71% of the neurons in the hippocampal CA1 region were degenerated. In contrast, in the idazoxan-treated animals only 31% of the neurons were irreversibly damaged (p < 0.01). We conclude that postischemic administration of the α-2 antagonist idazoxan protects neurons against damage following cerebral ischemia. Rapid postischemic administration of α-2 adrenergic receptor antagonists could be an effective treatment after stroke and cardiac arrest.

Estimation of local cerebral protein synthesis rates with L-[1-11C]Leucine and PET: methods, model, and results in animals and humans

Abstract: We have estimated the cerebral protein synthesis rates (CPSR) in a series of normal human volunteers and monkeys using L-[1-11C]leucine and positron emission tomography (PET) using a three-compartment model. The model structure, consisting of a tissue precursor, metabolite, and protein compartment, was validated with biochemical assay data obtained in rat studies. The CPSR values estimated in human hemispheres of about 0.5 nmol/min/g agree well with hemispheric estimates in monkeys. The sampling requirements (input function and scanning sequence) for accurate estimates of model parameters were investigated in a series of computer simulation studies.

Postnatal Changes in Local Cerebral Blood Flow Measured by the Quantitative Autoradiographic [14C]Iodoantipyrine Technique in Freely Moving Rats

Abstract: The postnatal changes in local cerebral blood flow in freely moving rats were measured by means of the quantitative autoradiographic [14C]iodoantipyrine method. The animals were studied at 10, 14, 17, 21 and 35 days and at the adult stage. At 10 days after birth, rates of blood flow were very low and quite homogeneous in most cerebral structures except in a few posterior areas. From these relatively uniform levels, values of local cerebral blood flow rose notably to reach a peak at 17 days in all brain regions studied. Rates of blood flow decreased between 17 and 21 days after birth and then increased from weaning time to reach the known characteristic distribution of the adult rat. The postnatal evolution of local cerebral blood in the rat is in good agreement with previous studies in other species such as dog and humans that also show higher rates of cerebral blood flow and glucose utilization at immature stages. However, in the rat, local cerebral blood flow and local cerebral glucose utilization are not coupled over the whole postnatal period studied, since blood flow rates reach peak values at 17 days whereas glucose utilization remains still quite low at that stage. The high rate of cerebral blood flow in the 17-day-old rat may reflect the energetic and biosynthetic needs of the actively developing brain that are completed by the summation of glucose and ketone body utilization.