Emergency Interventions after Severe Traumatic Brain Injury in Rats: Effect on Neuropatholgy and Functiona1 Outcome.
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) contributes to combat casualty morbidity and mortality. Our hypothesis is that optimal manipulation of practical interventions applicable in the emergency treatment of severe TBI(respiratory management, temperature control, and sedation) can reduce brain injury in a rat model of brain contusion, and thereby improve functional and neuropathological outcome. In the first year of funding, we addressed the first Technical Objective of our proposal - to perform a comprehensive study of the effects of mechanical ventilation strategies on outcome. We found that aggressive hyper ventilation applied for 4 hrs immediately after injury is detrimental (vs normal ventilation), and increases neuronal death in vulnerable brain regions. Also, to set the stage for the evaluation of therapies targeting improved outcome after TBI (proposed in Technical Objectives 2-4), the severity of the insult was increased in our model. This was done by more accurately simulating the field scenario (adding a secondary insult). Finally, another injury station was established and a technician was trained to perform the studies proposed in years 2 and 3. Dr. Michael Forbes, a fellow completed his training during this year and was the first author of the manuscript described above.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1998
- Accession Number
- ADA337486
Entities
People
- Patrick M. Kochanek
Organizations
- University of Pittsburgh