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Updated: Jul 19, 2026

The Rabbit Blood-shunt Model for the Study of Acute and Late Sequelae of Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: Technical Aspects
09:00

The Rabbit Blood-shunt Model for the Study of Acute and Late Sequelae of Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: Technical Aspects

Published on: October 2, 2014

Cerebrospinal fluid outflow resistance in rabbits with experimental meningitis. Alterations with penicillin and

W M Scheld, R G Dacey, H R Winn

    The Journal of Clinical Investigation
    |August 1, 1980
    PubMed

    Insights

    Bacterial meningitis significantly increases cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) outflow resistance, leading to complications like hydrocephalus. Steroid treatment early in pneumococcal meningitis can normalize CSF hydrodynamics.

    Area of Science:

    • Neurology
    • Infectious Diseases
    • Physiology

    Background:

    • Bacterial meningitis can cause increased intracranial pressure and neurological issues.
    • Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) hydrodynamic alterations contribute to meningitis complications.
    • Understanding CSF outflow resistance is crucial for managing meningitis.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate CSF outflow resistance in experimental bacterial meningitis.
    • To evaluate the impact of antibiotic and steroid therapy on CSF hydrodynamics.

    Main Methods:

    • Manometric infusion studies were performed in rabbits with experimental meningitis (Pneumococcal and E. coli).
    • Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) outflow resistance was measured.
    • The effects of penicillin and methylprednisolone were assessed.

    Main Results:

    • CSF outflow resistance was significantly elevated in both Pneumococcal and E. coli meningitis models compared to controls.
    • Elevated resistance persisted even after bacterial eradication with penicillin.
    • Methylprednisolone administration during acute Pneumococcal meningitis reduced outflow resistance to normal levels.

    Conclusions:

    • Acute bacterial meningitis markedly increases CSF outflow resistance, impairing CSF absorption.
    • This hydrodynamic alteration contributes to intracranial pressure and neurological sequelae.
    • Early methylprednisolone treatment may mitigate these hydrodynamic changes in meningitis.

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