[Experimental study of cerebral protective substances in ischemia--effect of vitamin E]

Using the "Canine model of complete ischemic brain regulated with a perfusion method", the effects of vitamin E which acts as an antioxidant on cerebral ischemia were investigated. After pretreatment with vitamin E by oral or intravenous administration, cerebral blood flow was reduced to 1/10 the normal state and one hour later, return to a normal state allowed. Subsequent changes in electrical activity were observed and the effects of the vitamin E were evaluated. In the control group, no recovery of electrical activity was seen. While in the group of vitamin E administration, the survival time was not prolonged but the recovery time was shortened statistically in the dogs given 30 mg/kg of vitamin E intravenously. Furthermore, in the group treated with vitamin E, distinct recovery of EEG potentials at three 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 indicated that administration of vitamin E is effective in protecting the brain from cerebral ischemia.