Effects of drugs and fatty acids related to Reye syndrome on brain water content in rats.

Brain water content was measured by gas-chromatography in rats following intraperitoneal injection of drugs and fatty acids related to the etiology of Reye syndrome. A statistically significant increase in brain water content was observed following injection of 5% glucose solution, valproic acid, acetyl salicylic acid, calcium hopantenate, margosa oil, 4-pentenoic acid, linolenate and arachidonate. Seizures occurred in all animals given valproic acid, margosa oil and 4-pentenoic acid, and in 25% of those given 5% glucose solution + anti-diuretic hormone. The results of these studies may help in the selection of appropriate agents for experimental induction of acute encephalopathy and brain edema in animal models of Reye syndrome.