[Prevention of brain edema. After acute hypertonic dehydration by dexamethasone, aldosterone and spirolactone during...

The brain edema preventing effects of aldosterone and spirolactone were compared to the effects of dexamethasone in young rabbits, dehydrated by enteral application of Na2SO4-solution. The water-, sodium- and potassium content of total brains were measured after a four hour period of forced glucose infusion. The water content of the treated groups did not differ from the control group, whereas the electrolyte content differed significantly. Dexamethasone lowered the sodium content below normal value. Spirolactone treatment resulted in an elevated potassium content. It is assumed, that aldosterone and spirolactone in pharmacological doses act, like dexamethasone, by nonspecific effects on the blood-brain-barrier and cell membranes. The generally accepted principle of slow rehydration after hypertonic dehydration may have an additional beneficial effect by sustaining secondary hyperaldosteronism.