Journal of neurosurgery
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The authors conducted quantitative analysis of computerized tomography (CT) scans to measure tumor size, cerebral edema, and regional blood volume in man. Mass lesions without edema caused a local reduction in blood volume. ⋯ Consideration of the electrolyte changes and water shifts in white-matter edema suggested that the decrease in absorption coefficient seen in CT scans was due to the increase in water content. Thus, in cerebral edema separation of blood vessels as well as increased interstitial pressure decrease blood volume, and the regional differences in turn reflect pressure gradients within the brain.
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Mongrel dogs with experimental spinal cord injury were treated with the carotenoid compound crocetin. It has been shown that crocetin increases the diffusion speed of oxygen through plasma, and should provide a net increase in oxygen at the level of the capillary endothelial cell. The treated animals showed a significant improvement in recovery rates as compared to controls.