Role of artificial cerebrospinal fluid as perfusate in neuroendoscopic surgery: a basic investigation

Neuroendoscopic surgery is distinct from usual craniotomy as it is performed in water. We have previously reported that the use of artificial cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) as perfusate in third ventriculostomy is more efficacious in minimizing severe host reaction than normal saline or lactated Ringer's solution. In this study, we investigated the effects of different perfusion solutions in human cultured astrocytes. We cultured human astrocytes in growth medium. Then each of them was further cultured for 6 h in artificial CSF, lactated Ringer's solution, or normal saline. Using DNA microarray, RNAs were extracted from each of the cells and were comprehensively analyzed to identify differences in patterns of gene manifestation. Compared to the use of artificial CSF, in cases where lactated Ringer's solution or normal saline was used, there was little difference in the pattern of gene manifestation, but there was an increase in gene manifestation related to apoptosis and inflammatory reaction. For neuroendoscopic surgery, the use of artificial CSF as a perfusate is considered effective in maintaining brain homeostasis compared to the use of normal saline or lactated Ringer's solution.