Abstract
Introduction We previously showed that pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) increased microvascular blood flow and tissue oxygenation by nitric oxide-induced vasodilation in a healthy rat brain ( Bragin et al., 2015 ). We also showed that high intracranial pressure (ICP) in rats caused a transition from capillary (CAP) to non-nutritive microvascular shunt (MVS) flow, tissue hypoxia and blood brain barrier (BBB) degradation ( Bragin et al., 2011 ). Objectives To evaluate whether PEMF attenuates the detrimental effects of non-nutritive MVS flow induced by high ICP. Materials and methods By in vivo 2-photon laser scanning microscopy over the rat parietal cortex, we evaluated the effects of PEMF on microvascular blood flow, tissue oxygenation (NADH), BBB permeability (dye extravasation) and neuronal necrosis (i.v. propidium Iodide) during 4 h of high ICP. Doppler cortical flux, rectal and cranial temperatures, ICP and arterial pressure, blood gases and electrolytes were monitored. After baseline imaging at normal ICP (10 mmHg), rats were subjected to high ICP (30 mmHg) by raising an artificial cerebrospinal fluid reservoir connected to the cisterna magna. At ICP of 30 mmHg, PEMF was applied for 30 min and imaging continuously performed after the treatment. Controls were untreated with PEMF. Results PEMF decreased tissue hypoxia (NADH reduced by 14.6 ± 3.7% compared to control, n = 10 rats per group, mean ± SEM, p Conclusions PEMF reduced tissue hypoxia, BBB degradation and neuronal necrosis by modulating cerebral blood flow at high ICP. PEMF could be an effective treatment for high ICP after severe cerebral insults. Support Rio Grande Neurosciences.
Published Version
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