Effects of hydrocephalus on nitric oxide neurones in the brain of the HTx rat.

ABSTRACT

The effect of hydrocephalus on the nitric oxide system in the brain of the HTx rat brain was investigated. We used NADPH-diaphorase histochemistry to stain neurones containing the enzyme, nitric oxide synthase. Comparison of normal and hydrocephalic HTx rat brains showed a reduction in stained neurones and a greatly depressed staining intensity in those that were labelled in the hydrocephalic brain. Also, there was an apparent reduction in number and length of radiating fibres from stained neurones. In addition to these changes we also observed a clear association between stained neurones and the microvasculature of the brain. This suggests that changes in the activity of these neurones may have a significant impact on the normal perfusion of the brain.