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Qualitative evaluation of the blood-brain barrier after the use of hypertonic saline solution in young rats
R M Carrera1, A M Pacheco, R A Mastroti
1Pediatric Surgery Division, Santa Casa School of Medicine, São Paulo, Brazil.
Insights
Hypertonic saline solution (HSS) resuscitation in young rats did not alter the blood-brain barrier (BBB). This study found no evidence of BBB opening after hemorrhage and HSS treatment in juvenile animal models.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pediatric Physiology
- Resuscitation Medicine
Background:
- The blood-brain barrier (BBB) exhibits variable permeability between adults and children.
- Young subjects show increased BBB vulnerability to blood biochemical changes.
- Small volume resuscitation (SVR) is a critical intervention in pediatric hemorrhagic shock.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of hypertonic saline solution (HSS) on the blood-brain barrier (BBB) in a juvenile animal model of hemorrhagic shock.
- To evaluate BBB integrity following resuscitation with 7.5% NaCl solution after induced hemorrhage.
Main Methods:
- Young Wistar rats were subjected to hemorrhage and divided into four groups: hemorrhagic shock with HSS resuscitation, hemorrhagic shock without resuscitation, HSS infusion only, and control.
- Physiological parameters including mean arterial blood pressure, base excess, electrolytes, osmolarity, and glucose were monitored.
- BBB integrity was qualitatively assessed using Evans blue dye infusion.
Main Results:
- HSS resuscitation (Group 1) normalized mean arterial blood pressure to levels comparable to control groups.
- Group 1 and Group 3 (HSS only) showed elevated sodium, chloride, and serum osmolarity compared to non-resuscitated and control groups.
- Macroscopic brain examination revealed no Evans blue extravasation, indicating no BBB opening.
Conclusions:
- In this experimental model, 7.5% NaCl solution did not cause qualitative changes in the blood-brain barrier of young rats subjected to hemorrhagic shock.
- The findings suggest that HSS may be safely used for resuscitation in juvenile hemorrhagic shock without compromising BBB integrity.
Abstract:
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) controls the biochemical environment of the brain with variable permeability when comparing adults to children. Based on the knowledge that there is a greater vulnerability in the BBB of young subjects submitted to biochemical variations in the blood and in the brain, an experimental model was designed to study small volume resuscitation. Young Wistar rats were submitted to hemorrhage and resuscitated with 7.5% NaCl solution before undergoing a qualitative evaluation of their BBB. Thirty male rats were anesthetized and divided into four groups: Group 1 - submitted to hemorrhagic shock restored with hypertonic saline solution (HSS); Group 2 - submitted to hemorrhagic shock without volume restoration; Group 3 - receiving only HSS, and Group 4 - control. The data analyzed were: mean arterial blood pressure, base excess, sodium, chloride, urea, blood osmolarity and blood glucose levels. After infusing a 2% Evans blue solution, qualitative analysis of the BBB was carried out. Group 1 presented final mean blood pressure levels equivalent to groups 3 and 4. Group 2 had a significant difference in the final base excess when compared to the other groups. In groups 1 and 3, mean sodium and chloride, as well as serum osmolarity, were more elevated than groups 2 and 4. Macroscopic examination of the brain did not reveal any changes in color, which could be attributed to the opening of the BBB. It was concluded that the 7.5% NaCl solution in this experimental model did not promote qualitative changes in the BBB.
