Effects of thyrotropin-releasing hormone on acute experimental traumatic head injury in cats.

The effects of thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) on early acute traumatic head injury in cats were evaluated by continuous intravenous infusion of TRH (2 mg/kg/h) or saline (2 ml/kg/h) for four hours, beginning one hour after injury. The results showed that TRH, administered intravenously, significantly increased the mean arterial pressure and cerebral perfusion pressure, decreased intracranial pressure, alleviated brain edema, and reduced the mortality rate. These effects promoted the recovery of neurologic function following traumatic head injury. Because of the significant central action and the ability to antagonize many pathophysiological effects of endogenous opioids or exogenous opiates except their analgesic effects, TRH and its analogues have broad prospects in the treatment of patients with CNS injuries or shock.