Coupling between neuronal activity and focal blood flow in experimental seizures

Local blood flow, ECoG and single cortical neurone activity were recorded simultaneously from single microelectrodes in 17 cats. Seizures were induced by repeated intravenous injections of pentylenetetrazol (PTZ, 10-20 mg/kg) or by local application of 1 M Na-penicillin. Seven to 20 sec after appearance of burst activity in cortical neurones and ECoG, focal flow increased up to 300% of control. The extent of this flow increase was significantly correlated with the change in firing rate of the neurones. With cessation of seizure activity the flow returned to or below control values. Forty to 70 mg/kg PTZ caused status epilepticus with high voltage rhythmic discharges lasting 30 min-2 h. In 3 cats with status, the flow decreased below control despite persisting seizures, indicative of uncoupling between activity and flow. The delayed coupling between activity and flow during drug-induced seizures indicates a metabolic mediator. Uncoupling observed in cases with long lasting seizures may be due to brain oedema following increased permeability of the blood-brain barrier.