EFFECTS OF HYDROCEPHALUS ON NITRIC-OXIDE NEURONS IN THE BRAIN OF THE HTX RAT

The effect of hydrocephalus on the nitric oxide system in the brain of the HTx rat brain was investigated. We used NADPH-diaphorase histoche mistry to stain neurones containing the enzyme, nitric oxide synthase. Comparison of normal and hydrocephalic HTx rat brains showed a reduct ion in stained neurones and a greatly depressed staining intensity in those that were labelled in the hydrocephalic brain. Also, there was a n apparent reduction in number and length of radiating fibres from sta ined neurones. In addition to these changes we also observed a clear a ssociation between stained neurones and the microvasculature of the br ain. This suggests that changes in the activity of these neurones may have a significant impact on the normal perfusion of the brain.