REDUCTION OF TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY-INDUCED CEREBRAL EDEMA BY A FREE-RADICAL SCAVENGER

Oxygen derived free radicals have been proposed to be in part responsi ble for the cerebral oedema resulting from head injury. In the present study the effects of free radical suppression with MDL 74,180 (2,3-di hydro-2,2,4,6,7-pentamethyl-3 -(4-methylpiperazino)-methyl-1-benzofura n-5-ol dihydrochloride), an alpha-tocopherol analogue free radical sca venger, on the development of cerebral oedema resulting from head inju ry has been assessed. Fluid percussion head injury in rats caused a re gional oedema 48 h after injury. Infusion of MDL 74,180 for 2 h after the injury significantly attenuated oedema development in a dose-relat ed manner, Using magnetic resonance imaging, cerebral oedema developme nt was monitored in head injured mice, Oedema was apparent 4 h after h ead injury and was greatest in the vicinity of the olfactory bulb and surrounding the ventricles. Treatment with MDL 74,180 (1-10 mu g/kg in travenously, administered 3-5 min after the injury) significantly redu ced the oedema development. MDL 74,180 is a potential treatment for th e oedema caused as a result of head injury.