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This study investigated how blood pressure affects stroke outcomes in primates. Elevated blood pressure during acute ischemic stroke led to larger lesions, while later elevations caused hemorrhagic transformations or hematomas.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Neurology
  • Pathology

Background:

  • Middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion in primates creates ischemic lesions in deep hemispheral structures.
  • The role of ischemic processes and arterial hypertension in cerebral hemorrhage pathogenesis requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To reevaluate the role of ischemic processes in cerebral hemorrhage pathogenesis.
  • To investigate the effects of acute arterial hypertension on ischemic stroke lesions in a primate model.

Main Methods:

  • Permanent segmental occlusion of the proximal MCA in 25 rhesus monkeys.
  • Induction of acute arterial hypertension using norepinephrine infusion or hypercarbia (5% CO2 air).
  • Evaluation of lesion development and characteristics at different time points post-MCA occlusion.

Main Results:

  • Acute hypertension before/during MCA occlusion resulted in larger, bland ischemic lesions.
  • Chronic lesions in animals subjected to hypertension showed hemorrhagic infarction.
  • Hypercarbia-induced hypertension 5 days post-MCA occlusion led to intracerebral hematomas.
  • Elevated mean arterial pressure (MAP) in acute ischemia only increased lesion size.
  • MAP elevation with vasoconstrictors in mature infarction caused hemorrhagic infarctions; vasodilation caused hematomas.

Conclusions:

  • Arterial hypertension can exacerbate acute ischemic lesions.
  • The timing and nature of blood pressure changes significantly influence stroke outcomes, potentially leading to hemorrhagic transformation or hematoma formation.

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