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Updated: Jul 16, 2026

Intranasal Administration of CNS Therapeutics to Awake Mice
Published on: April 8, 2013
[Hypertonic saline solution for reduction of intracranial pressure. Are there doubts?]
H Theilen1, M Ragaller, T Koch
1Klinik und Poliklinik für Anästhesie und Intensivtherapie, Universitätsklinik Carl Gustav Carus der Technischen Universität Dresden, Fetscherstrasse 74, 01307 Dresden. Hermann.Theilen@uniklinikum-dresden.de
Abstract:
Osmotherapy, i.e. the intravenous administration of hyperosmolar solutions, is one of the mainstays of therapy for reduction of a pathologically increased intracranial pressure, in addition to analgosedation and raising the upper body of the patient. The administration of mannitol as a osmotherapeutic agent is, however, marred by considerable side-effects. A possible alternative is the use of hypertonic saline solution (NaCl). The advantages and disadvantages of this option are considered as well as points still in question.
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