Effects of Prostaglandins on the Intracranial Pressure in Rabbits.

Rhee, Dong Youl

Original Article

Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society 1977;6(1): 1-10.

Department of Neurosurgery, Busan National University, School of Medicine, Korea.

ABSTRACT

To understand the pathophysiology of the intracranial pressure changes, the Monro-Kellie doctrine has been to be a useful concept. By recent reports it has possibly been suggested that prostaglandins may pathophysiologically contribute to the inherent response of intracranial pressure. Although the cardiovascular effects of several postaglandins have well been studied, little is known about their effects on cerebral blood vessel and cerebrospinal fluid pressure. The author observed the effect of prostaglandins injected intra-arterially and intravenously on the intracranial pressure and systemic blood pressure and compared with those of norepinephrine or 5-hydroxytryptamine. The result were summarized as the follows : 1. The intra-arterial and intravenous injections of a single dose of norepinephrine increased not only the intracranial pressure but also systemic blood pressure with dose-dependant response. 2. The intra-arterial injection of PGA2 caused the increase in the intracranial pressure, but on the contrary, the blood pressure was decreased. The intra-arterial injection of PGE1 and PGE2 caused the increase in the intracranial pressure, which was not related to the used doage. 3. The intra-arterial and intravenous injections PGF2 alpha decreased the intracranial pressure but increased the blood pressure, both of which were not related to the dosage used.