Qualitative measurement of cerebral infarction using ultraviolet fluorescence

A reliable method of macroscopically determining the volume of cerebral infarction using ultraviolet fluorescence was developed in an animal model. Cerebral infarction was induced in 40 dogs by occluding the distal internal carotid and middle cerebral arteries. No barbiturates were administered. Intravenous sodium fluorescein was given before the animal was killed. Following fixation, 1 cm coronal sections were evaluated with ultraviolet light of 366 nm wavelength. The area of induced fluorescence for each section was determined using a grid overlay. Microscopic examination revealed that the areas of ischemic cell necrosis corresponded to areas of maximal fluorescence. This is an easily reproducible method to determine the volume of cerebral infarction.