C1-esterase inhibitor reduces infarct volume after cortical vein occlusion

In order to clarify the role of complement as a mediator of cerebral infarc t growth, we inhibited the classical complement activation pathway in a pho tochemical cortical vein occlusion model. Immediately after occlusion, rats were infused with either 0.9% saline (vehicle), or C1-esterase inhibitor ( C1-INH) over 30 min. Regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) decreased after oc clusion, and was about 50% of baseline after 2 h. No difference was noted b etween experimental groups. Mean arterial blood pressure (MABP) and arteria l blood gases were likewise unaffected by the treatment. However, administr ation of C1-INH had significantly reduced infarct volume by 72%, as evaluat ed after 5 days survival. Thus, the neuroprotective effect cannot be explai ned by an improvement of cerebral perfusion but rather by protection of the parenchyma in the penumbra. (C) 1999 Published by Elsevier Science B.V. Al l rights reserved.