Effects of magnesium sulfate on traumatic brain edema in rats.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of magnesium sulfate on traumatic brain edema and explore its possible mechanism. METHODS: Forty-eight Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into three groups Control, Trauma and Treatment groups. In Treatment group, magnesium sulfate was intraperitoneally administered immediately after the induction of brain trauma. At 24 h after trauma, total tissue water content and Na(+), K(+), Ca(2+), Mg(2+) contents were measured. Permeability of blood-brain barrier (BBB) was assessed quantitatively by Evans Blue (EB) dye technique. The pathological changes were also studied. RESULTS: Water, Na(+), Ca(2+) and EB contents in Treatment group were significantly lower than those in Trauma group (P<0.05). Results of light microscopy and electron microscopy confirmed that magnesium sulfate can attenuate traumatic brain injury and relieve BBB injury. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with MgSO4 in the early stage can attenuate traumatic brain edema and prevent BBB injury.