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Dimethylthiourea reduces ischemic brain edema without affecting cerebral blood flow
Summary
Hydroxyl radicals contribute to ischemic brain edema, but not by directly affecting cerebral blood flow (CBF). The scavenger 1,3-dimethyl-2-thiourea (DMTU) reduces edema without altering CBF after middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO).
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cerebrovascular Research
- Free Radical Biology
Background:
- Oxygen free radicals are implicated in ischemic brain injury.
- Hydroxyl radical scavenger 1,3-dimethyl-2-thiourea (DMTU) previously reduced infarct size after middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) in rats.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if DMTU's protective effect on ischemic brain results from preserving cerebral blood flow (CBF).
Main Methods:
- Adult male rats underwent right MCAO and were treated with DMTU or saline.
- Samples from ischemic cortex zones were analyzed for water content, CBF ([14C]butanol), and blood-brain barrier permeability ([3H]alpha-aminoisobutyric acid) at 4 and 24 hours post-MCAO.
Main Results:
- MCAO reduced CBF in a graded pattern across cortical zones.
- Brain edema developed similarly to CBF reduction; blood-brain barrier permeability remained normal.
- DMTU treatment significantly reduced brain edema but did not alter CBF compared to vehicle-treated animals.
Conclusions:
- Hydroxyl radicals play a role in developing ischemic brain edema.
- The protective mechanism of DMTU in MCAO does not involve a direct effect on CBF.