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Reduction of intracranial pressure by nimodipine in experimental pneumococcal meningitis

R Paul1, U Koedel, H W Pfister

  • 1Department of Neurology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, Klinikum Grosshadern, Germany.

Critical Care Medicine
|August 2, 2000
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Nimodipine, a calcium channel blocker, effectively reduces intracranial pressure in experimental pneumococcal meningitis. This treatment also lowers white blood cell counts and may mitigate reactive oxygen species and interleukin-6 production.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Pharmacology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Pneumococcal meningitis causes significant pathophysiologic alterations, including increased intracranial pressure.
  • Calcium channel blockers are explored for their potential therapeutic effects in central nervous system infections.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy of nimodipine in mitigating pathophysiologic changes during experimental pneumococcal meningitis.
  • To investigate the underlying mechanisms of nimodipine's action, focusing on reactive oxygen species and cytokine production.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective, controlled study was conducted using Wistar rats with experimentally induced pneumococcal meningitis.
  • Nimodipine was administered intravenously either before or after pneumococcal challenge.
  • Intracranial pressure, cerebrospinal fluid white blood cell counts, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and interleukin-6 levels were measured.

Main Results:

  • Nimodipine significantly reduced the rise in intracranial pressure in rats with pneumococcal meningitis.
  • Pretreatment with nimodipine also decreased cerebrospinal fluid white blood cell counts.
  • Nimodipine inhibited ROS production in human blood samples and reduced interleukin-6 levels in cerebrospinal fluid.

Conclusions:

  • Nimodipine demonstrates a therapeutic benefit in reducing intracranial pressure during experimental pneumococcal meningitis.
  • The beneficial effects of nimodipine may be attributed to its ability to reduce ROS and interleukin-6 production.

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