Cerebrospinal fluid production and histological observations in animals with experimental obstructive hydrocephalus

Abstract

The effect of obstructive hydrocephalus on CSF formation in cats and dogs was studied. Experimental hydrocephalus resulted from the intracisternal injection of kaolin. The rate of formation of CSF was calculated from measurements made during stteady state lateral ventricle-to-lateral ventricle perfusion. Spinal fluid production in hydrocephalic cats was 0.0027 ml/min or approximately 20% of that found in normal cats during ventriculocisternal perfusion. In hydrocephalic dogs, the rate of CSF formation was 0.033 ml/min which was 0.014 ml/min less, or 70% than that reported for normal dogs. The marked reduction in CSF synthesis in the cat was attributed to the histological changes observed in the choroid plexus and ependymal lining of the ventricles. In addition, spongiform changes in the white matter of the brain were noted.