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Protein accumulation in cerebrospinal fluid during -90 degrees head-down tilt in rabbit
T S Wen1, D C Randall, J F Zolman
1Department of Physiology, University of Kentucky, Lexington 40536-0084.
Journal of Applied Physiology (Bethesda, Md. : 1985)
|September 1, 1994
Summary
Head-down tilt compromises the blood-brain barrier and blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier integrity in rabbits. This disruption allows plasma proteins to leak into the brain and cerebrospinal fluid, indicating a compromised barrier function.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Physiology
Background:
- The blood-brain barrier (BBB) and blood-cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) barrier maintain brain homeostasis.
- Plasma proteins are similar in size to the intercellular spaces of these barriers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of head-down tilt (HDT) on the integrity of the BBB and blood-CSF barrier in rabbits.
Main Methods:
- Rabbits were subjected to 1 hour of HDT or a prone position.
- Measurements included plasma protein, osmolality, hematocrit, CSF protein, and arterial blood pressure.
- Trypan blue dye was used to assess barrier permeability.
Main Results:
- HDT significantly increased brain trypan blue concentration compared to prone rabbits (P < 0.01).
- CSF protein concentration significantly increased after HDT onset.
- Changes in plasma protein and hematocrit suggested vascular fluid loss in HDT rabbits.
Conclusions:
- Head-down tilt disrupts the integrity of the blood-brain barrier and the blood-CSF barrier.
- This disruption allows for the passage of plasma proteins into the brain and CSF.
- The findings highlight the vulnerability of brain barriers to changes in body position.