Cerebral physiological and biochemical changes during vasogenic brain oedema induced by intrathecal injection of bacterial lipopolysaccharides in piglets

Background. The objective of the study was to evaluate biochemical and physiological changes in an experimental model of vasogenic brain oedema utilising techniques also used in routine neuro-intensive care. Method 32 piglets were randomised to control or experimental group. The latter received an intrathecal injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from E coli (LPS group). Intracranial pressure (ICP) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were measured continuously. Intracerebral microdialysis was used for analysing interstitial levels of glucose, pyruvate, lactate, glutamate, glycerol and urea every 30 min. Repeated calculations of mean hemispheric CBF were performed utilising an extra-cranial scintillation detector and intra-carotid injection of Xe-133. Cerebral specific gravity was measured and the brains were fixed for histological examinations. Findings. After LPS injection ICP increased reaching a plateau phase after 4-7 hours and CBF increased by 46%. Histological examination showed inflammation with pronounced extravasation of granulocytes. A significant decrease in brain specific gravity (p = 0.022) was obtained. LPS caused a significant decrease in cerebral interstitial concentration of glucose (p = 0.0035), and significant increases in lactate concentration (p = 0.002) and lactate/pyruvate ratio (p = 0.0017). A small but significant increase in glutamate was obtained (p = 0.0219). Glycerol did not change significantly. Interpretation, Intrathecal LPS caused An inflammatory reaction with extravasation of granulocytes, increased blood-brain barrier permeability and cerebral oedema. Biochemical, analyses indicate increased glycolysis but no signs of cell membrane degradation.