Closed recirculatory spinal subarachnoid perfusion for determining CSF dynamics

A new method for determining the rates of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) production under nonsteady-state conditions, namely, closed recirculatory spinal subarachnoid perfusion, was used to determine the effect of enflurane on the rate of CSF production in dogs. Considerable variability in results was observed such that there was no statistical difference in rates of production among animals that received enflurane 2.2%, enflurane 2.2% and nitrous oxide 60% to 70%, enflurane 3.2% and nitrous oxide 60% to 70%, or nitrous oxide 60% to 70% (controls). Possible sources of variability were sought in additional studies using a modification of the new method, and in an in vitro model. The results were compared to those obtained using an established method for determining rates of CSF production, namely, open ventriculocisternal perfusion. It was concluded that the sources of variability in the closed recirculatory method relate in part to adherence of the fluorescein-conjugated albumin tracer to glass and other surfaces, and to uneven flow and distribution of the tracer in the recirculatory system. When the open ventriculocisternal perfusion method was used, consistent results were obtained, demonstrating that CSF production rate increased significantly in animals that received enflurane. The authors conclude that the new closed recirculatory method is less reliable than the classical open perfusion method.