The CSF aldosterone in brain tumors with brain edema.

The study of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone (RAA) and vasopressin (VP) systems in neurosurgical patients with brain tumors and brain edema (BE) had revealed an excessive activity of these systems with secondary hyperaldosteronism especially with BE that proves the pathogenetic role of these systems. Measurement of Aldosterone (Ald) in CSF may serve as a diagnostic test to help manage the patient's clinical condition. Mechanisms of Ald penetration in CSF assumed to be the result of blood-brain-barrier (BBB) destruction (especially in astrocytomas) and/or the mediation by neuropeptides (for example increasing activity of VP V1-receptors). Results serve as a basis for application of the neuropeptide and hormone antagonists and inhibitors on all stages of cascade reactions taking part in the water and sodium retention.