ABSTRACT
Hypertonic solutions play an important role in the treatment of tissue edema. Following the induction of experimental vasogenic brain edema by occlusion of the common carotid arteries in eight rabbits, the effect of hypertonic lactated Ringer's solution [subjects], vs. isotonic lactated Ringer's solution [control], was studied on blood pressure, electrolyte [sodium, potassium, and calcium] concentrations, blood urea nitrogen, total protein concentration, plasma osmolality, urine volume, and cerebral water content. Significant differences were seen in calcium concentration [11.54 +/- 1.2 vs. 13.16 +/- 1.18;P P-0.05], final urine volume [17.5 +/- 3.53 vs. 5.25 +/- 2.06; P<0.05], systolic blood pressure [105.2 +/- 12.9 vs. 122.9 +/- 5.81; P< 0.05], diastolic blood pressure [60 +/- 15.2 vs. 79.1 +/- 6.8; P<0.05], and mean arterial pressures [74.9 +/- 14.2 vs. 93.7 +/- 6.2; P<0.05] between study and control groups. The results also indicate that no significant differences existed in sodium and potassium concentrations, blood urea nitrogen, total protein concentration, plasma osmolality, and tissue brain water content between the two groups