Amelioration of ischaemic cerebral oedema by a free radical scavenger, AVS: 1,2-bis(nicotinamido)-propane. An experimental study using a regional ischaemia model in cats.

The effect of a free radical scavenger, AVS: 1,2-bis(nicotinamido)-propane, on the blood flow, oedema, and energy metabolites in the cortical area rendered ischaemic by the occlusion of the middle and the internal cerebral arteries was studied using cats. The development of cortical oedema was assessed by the changes in the specific gravity as well as the water and electrolyte contents of the cortical samples obtained 4 h after the arterial occlusion. Compared to the control group receiving saline, the AVS group exhibited a significant amelioration of cortical oedema, whereas no effect of AVS on the cortical blood flow was observed. The decrease of the energy charge and the increase of lactate in the ischaemic cortical area were less pronounced in the AVS groups. These data indicate that AVS possesses an action to mitigate the development of cortical oedema following regional ischaemia. The possible mechanism of action of AVS is discussed in reference to the free radical hypothesis.