EFFECT OF ACETAZOLAMIDE ON EARLY ISCHEMIC CEREBRAL EDEMA IN GERBILS

Acetazolamide was given in the early stage of ischemic cerebral edema produced by unilateral permanent carotid occlusion in gerbils. The ani mals were studied 1, 4, and 6 hours after ischemia. The tissues were e xamined for water and electrolyte concentrations and ischemic areas we re visualized by 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) and H-E sta ining. Acetazolamide injected just after occlusion showed a positive e ffect in reducing edematous changes. Later administration of the drug had neither positive nor harmful effect on the ischemic brains. Thus, acetazolamide seems to be useful for cerebrovascular response studies in the early stage of a brain lesion.