Intrathecal corticoids in permanent focal cerebral ischemia in rats. Part I: A new therapeutic approach in the acute phase

Abstract

Intrathecally, triamcinolone acetonide (TCA) was suggested to have neuroprotective efficacy on infarction volume in acute focal cerebral ischemia in rats. In the first dose-finding study, TCA in five different doses or saline was administered into the cisterna magna of 12 rats, each 30mins after endovascular occlusion of the middle cerebral artery (MCAO). In the second magnet resonance controlled confirmation study, the most neuroprotective dose was compared with controls in each of the 15 rats. Infarction volume was calculated at 24h by 2.3.5 triphenyl-tetrazolium-chloride staining. Compared with controls (18.2), infarction volume was significantly reduced using TCA at a dose of 0.012mgkg body weight (BW) (13.4, P=0.04). TCA at doses of 0.03 (17.7, P=0.84), 0.006 (15.9, P=0.24), and 0.003mgkg BW (14.5, P=0.11) did not significantly reduce infarction size. TCA 0.3mgkg BW resulted in bilateral infarction with increased infarction volume (19.8, P=0.49). Magnetic resonance imaging confirmed successful MCAO and intrathecal administration. In experiment 2 compared with controls (20.0), infarction volume was significantly reduced using TCA 0.012mgkg (13.4, P=0.02). Intrathecally, TCA may significantly reduce infarction volume in acute focal cerebral ischemia in rats. Further studies are necessary to define the value of this therapy. © 2010 ISCBFM All rights reserved.