Dynamics of tracer distribution in radiation induced brain oedema in rats

The dynamic behaviour of the distribution of Evans blue (EB), sodium fluorescein (SF), Lucifer yellow (LY) and horseradish peroxidase (HRP) was studied using standard light- and fluorescence microscopy following ultraviolet radiation induced brain oedema in the rat model. The cerebral cortex was irradiated after craniotomy (2 x 2 mm) under anaesthesia. The tracers were injected (iv) 30 min prior to radiation. Animals were perfused with glutaraldehyde through the heart at different survival periods ranging from 30 min to 24 h post irradiation. The results showed a remarkable difference in distribution and spread of these tracers in the oedematous brain following radiation. The extravasation of EB was evident in ipsilateral cortex 6 h after radiation which extended to the contralateral side at the end of the 24 h survival period. The HRP reaction product was seen in the necrotic area 3 h after radiation which further extended to the underlying white matter at 24 h survival. The LY stained the ipsilateral micronecrotic area 6 h after radiation, whereas a non-specific diffuse fluorescence of SF was noted at this time period. These results point out a specific selectivity of tracer distribution in oedematous brain following ultraviolet radiation.