Effect of L-arginine on nitric oxide and brain edema after subarachnoid hemorrhage in rats / 中国病理生理杂志

ABSTRACT

AIM: To investigate the role of nitric oxide in the development of brain edema after subarachnoid hemorrhage(SAH), and the influence of L-arginine on them. METHODS: Noncraniotomy models of SAH in Wistar rats were used and animals were divided into sham-operated group, SAH group and SAH plus L-arginine group. Dynamic changes of regional cerebral blood flow within 24 hours were measured. Serum nitric oxide level, brain water and sodium content at different time points within 24 hours were also detected. RESULTS: Regional cerebral blood flow and serum nitric oxide level at every time point after operation in SAH group were lower than those in sham-operated group, while brain water content and sodium content in the former group were higher than those in the latter group. Above pathological alterations in SAH plus L-arginine group were not so obvious as in SAH group. CONCLUSION: Decrease in serum nitric oxide plays a role in the development of brain edema after SAH, which may be partly reversed by administration of L-arginine.