[Effect of generalized edema on blood flow distribution in the brain]

The correlation between increase in brain tissue pressure and cerebral blood flow distribution was studied in generalized brain edema induced by water intoxication in cats. Brain tissue pressure increased as the brain edema progressed. The intracranial vascular component was suggested to play a certain role in the volume buffering capacity at increased intracranial pressure. Transtentorial redirection of carotid blood flow observed in the early stages of water intoxication, is related to tissue pressure gradients. The meaning of tissue pressure gradients for blood flow distribution is discussed.