CONTRALATERAL CEREBELLAR DIASCHISIS 7 HOURS AFTER MCA-OCCLUSION IN PRIMATES

2,3,5-triphenyltetrazoliumchloride (TTC) as an indicator of mitochondr ial function in combination with regional cerebral blood flow measurem ents was used in six baboons 6.9 +/- 7.2 h after permanent occlusion o f the left middle cerebral artery. Staining with TTC was compared with blood flow data obtained during normocapnia using the microsphere met hod. Five animals showed a focal area of unstained tissue in the left middle cerebral artery territory. Mean blood flow in the unstained are a was 28.3 +/- 15.4 ml min(-1) 100 g(-1). Five of 6 animals showed a s ignificant decrease of contralateral cerebellar blood flow in the pres ence of normal TTC staining. We conclude that at this early stage of i nfarction contralateral cerebellar diaschisis is caused by functional deactivation.