Comparative effects of dihydroergotoxine (DHET) on CBF and metabolism changes produced by experimental cerebral edema, hypoxia and hypertension.

Dihydroergotoxine (DHET) perfused in the dog (100 microgram/kg) presenting a cerebral per-hypocapno-anemic syndrome reduces cerebral hyperemia, increases cerebral venous PO2, despite the rise in CMRO2 and favors glucose oxidation by the brain. DHET (20 mg/kg p.o.) is able to drop mean, diastolic and systolic arterial blood pressures in renal-hypertensive rats having a cerebral edema induced by triethyltin intoxication without affecting cerebral water and sodium levels which are increased in the controls. DHET (50 microgram/kg i.v.) can also improve EEG changes produced by a traumatic edema but does not exert (200 microgram/kg i.v.) any effect on EEG changes produced in the rabbit by lithium chloride intoxication.