Arrest of cerebral blood flow and reperfusion of the brain in the rhesus monkey.

Abstract

Abstract Rhesus monkeys were subjected to cerebral ischaemia by arresting blood flow to the brain. The carotid and vertebral arteries were temporarily occluded and a cannula inserted into one common carotid artery permitted retrodrainage of blood reaching the circle of Willis via anastomotic channels. The blood from the cerebral vessels was washed out with dextran solution for photographic recording of the arrest of cerebral blood flow and subsequent reperfusion of the cerebral vasculature. Electroencephalographic, cardiovascular and respiratory functions were monitored throughout the procedure. Occlusion of the four major vessels with retrodrainage of the circle of Willis effectively stops perfusion of the brain. Occlusion of the vessels without retrodrainage permits a slow but significant flow of blood to the cerebral vessels. Rapid and effective reperfusion of the brain was noted even after repeated and lengthy periods of ischaemia. Thus a model for studying cerebral ischaemia, and reperfusion after ischaemia, without major thoracic or intracranial intervention is demonstrated. Some implications for resuscitation in cases of cerebral ischaemia are discussed.