Biochemical changes in the rat brain associated with dinitrophenol-induced brain edema

The present paper was designed to the study of cerebral edema induced by intracarotid infusion of dinitrophenol. The determinations included variations in three lysosomal enzymes (acid phosphatase, cathepsin C and beta-glucuronidase), Na+-K+-ATP-ase, changes in cerebral RNA and protein concentrations and the synthesis of these macromolecules in vitro. In experimental brain edema a drastic drop in the activity of lysosomal enzymes took place. The acid phosphatase decreased to less than 30% of controls. Cathepsin C and beta-glucuronidase were reduced about 30% and 50% of control levels respectively. Protein concentration in the cerebral tissue also decreased by more than 50%. The concentration of RNA, RNA synthesis, and the level of Na+-K+-ATP-ase remained unchanged. Protein synthesis was stimulated by 75% (against controls). All these phenomena were suppressed when the animals subjected to the action of dinitrophenol were concomitantly treated with the antiacidotic substance, tris (hydroxymethyl) aminomethane.