Brain edema in immature animals. An experimental study in rats

Applying several procedures to produce brian edema, the authors examined electron microscopically immature rat brains, and the findings were compared with those in adult rat brains. Using Na-fluorescein and ferritin as tracers, the authors also examined the blood brain barrier (BBB) functionally. It was clarified that immature rat brains showed resistance to the brain edema of the vasogenic type in spite of breakdown of the BBB. On the basis of these results the authors discussed on genesis of brain edema of the vasogenic type.