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Responses to Cortical Spreading Depression under Oxygen Deficiency
1The Mina & Everard Goodman, Faculty of Life Sciences and Leslie and Susan Gonda Multidisciplinary Brain Research Center, Bar-Ilan University RAMAT-GAN 52900, Israel.
The Open Neurology Journal
|June 7, 2012
Summary
Cortical spreading depression (CSD) disrupts brain oxygen balance, increasing oxygen demand and impairing supply during pathological conditions. Brain oxygenation is critical for CSD response.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Physiology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Cortical spreading depression (CSD) is a wave of neuronal and glial depolarization that spreads across the cerebral cortex.
- Understanding the physiological consequences of CSD under various pathological conditions is crucial for neurological research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of CSD on extracellular potassium ([K(+)](e)), cerebral blood flow (CBF), mitochondrial NADH redox state, and direct current (DC) potential.
- To compare these effects during normoxia and under pathological conditions including hypoxia, nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibition (L-NAME), and partial ischemia.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a specialized multi-parameter analyzer (MPA) for simultaneous monitoring of CSD wave propagation.
- Measured mitochondrial NADH redox state (fluorometry), DC potential (Ag/AgCl electrodes), CBF (laser Doppler flowmetry), and [K(+)](e) (mini-electrode).
Main Results:
- CSD induced an initial increase in NADH and decreased CBF during normoxia and pathological states, indicating an oxygen supply-demand imbalance.
- The hyperperfusion phase of CBF was attenuated during hypoxia and ischemia, suggesting further oxygen supply reduction.
- CSD wave duration increased under pathological conditions, pointing to disturbed energy production.
- [K(+)](e) levels rose identically during CSD in all conditions, signifying increased oxygen demand.
Conclusions:
- Brain oxygenation is a critical determinant of the brain's response to CSD.
- The MPA device facilitated differentiation of simultaneous parameter responses, highlighting altered interrelations between oxygen demand, supply, and balance during CSD.
- Pathological conditions exacerbate the metabolic and hemodynamic disturbances associated with CSD.
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