Effects of edaravone on experimental brain injury in view of free radical reaction

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to clarify the influence of a novel free radical scavenger edaravone on experimental brain injury. Male Wistar rats were anesthetized with 1-2% halothane. Brain injury was produced using a controlled cortical impact injury device. Experimental rats were divided into 2 groups. In the edaravone group, edaravone (3 mg/kg) was twice administered intravenously for 30 minutes. In the saline group, saline solution was administered in the same way. This administration of edaravone or saline solution made it possible to evaluate the relative effects of edaravone by assessment of free radical reaction and water content. As a result, the level of oxygen free radicals at 50 minutes after brain injury was significantly lower in the edaravone group than in the saline group. The water content in the injured brain at 180 minutes was significantly lower in the edaravone group than in the saline group. Therefore, we propose that edaravone may be effective for treatment in head injury. © Springer-Verlag 2003.