Brain research
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A new method for brain resuscitation following acute focal ischemic insult has been developed in this laboratory. The technique utilizes a surrogate route to supply cerebral metabolites and employs highly oxygenated fluorocarbons (OFNS), which are efficient gas transport and exchange agents, perfused through the ventriculo-subarachnoid spaces. We previously described a return of aerobic metabolism and EEG after severe global ischemia by oxygenated perfusions and now report treatment-induced reduction in the size of experienced cerebral infarction. ⋯ Areas of infarction (expressed in cm3 and as % of the brain) were measured using a planimeter. OFNS-treated brains contained 80% less infarcted tissue than the vehicle-perfused or untreated stroked animals. The infarcted areas were significantly treatment reduced (P less than 0.05 ANOVA and Bonferroni tests).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)