The protective effect of vitamin E on cerebral ischemia

Using the "canine model of the completely ischemic brain regulated with a perfusion method," the effects on cerebral ischemia of vitamin E, which is known to act as an antioxidant, were investigated. After pretreatment with vitamin E by oral or intravenous administration, cerebral blood flow was reduced to 1/10th the normal state and, 1 hour later, allowed to return to normal. Subsequent changes in electrical activity were observed, and the effects of vitamin E were evaluated. In the control group, no recovery of electrical activity was seen. In the groups given vitamin E, the recovery time was significantly shortened in the dogs given 30 mg/kg of vitamin E intravenously. Furthermore, in the groups treated with vitamin E, distinct recovery of electroencephalographic potentials at 3 hours after recirculation was apparent. These effects were more favorable in the case of intravenous administration than in the case of oral administration. These experimental results indicate that the administration of vitamin E is effective in protecting the brain from cerebral ischemia.