CSF dynamics in a rodent model of closed head injury

The ICP-dependency of resistance to cerebrospinal fluid outflow: a new mathematical method for CSF-parameter calculation in a model with H-Tx rats

The international accepted calculation methods concerning the cerebrospinal fluid dynamics proceed from a pressure independent resistance to cerebrospinal fluid outflow. In a new model we focus our attention on the pressure dependency of resistance. In our calculation model we are monitoring the complete pressure course p(t) over the time t during and after the infusion. The comparison of the pressure rise On(p) during the infusion and the descent Off(p) after the infusion in the same pressure level allows to construct all formulas for the compliance C(p) and resistance R(p). The simultaneous measurement of the resistance and complications during a single investigation allows minimizing the patient's exertion. In contrast to the classical methods it is not necessary that the ICP reach a plateau. Our mathematical method diverges with the description of a pressure dependent slope of the function for the resistance from the static examination models. We proved our mathematical method by the use of a dynamic infusion test in ten H-Tx rats without hydrocephalus and five hydrocephalic H-Tx rats. For that we are able to take the non-linearity of the CSF resorption into consideration.

Brain-stem auditory evoked potential monitoring in experimental diffuse brain injury

The time course of brain-stem auditory evoked potential (BAEP) changes was investigated using an impact-acceleration trauma model in 23 spontaneously breathing rats. Intracranial pressure (ICP), arterial blood pressure and respiratory rate were monitored. The experiments were terminated at four hours after trauma. No significant changes in intracranial pressure (ICP) occurred following the impact. After a short increase, blood pressure returned to baseline values within 5 min. Transient apnea was not followed by prolonged respiratory depression. Diffuse closed head injury (CHI) did not result in general, unidirectional changes of peak latencies or amplitudes of auditory evoked responses. Most BAEP changes developed slowly reaching a maximum at 1 to 4 hours after the injury. In the absence of ICP changes, this pattern reflects secondary ischemia in sensitive brain-stem areas rather than direct traumatic lesions or hypoxia due to respiratory depression.