engleski

Osmolality of cerebrospinal fluid during experimental meningitis and post mortem

Background and purpose: We have shown previously that both cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) osmolality and intracranial pressure are increased within 24 hours after inoculation of Streptococcus pneumoniae into CSF in dogs. In this study we have investigated changes of CSF osmolality and intracranial pressure in animals with meningitis 2-7 days after inoculation. Material and methods: Inoculum of Streptococcus pneumoniae (1 ml; 102/ ml) was applied in cisterna magna. Number of cells and concentration of total proteins, glucose and chloride in CSF, as well as CSF osmolality and intracranial pressure were measured. Results: In CSF alterations characteristics of purulent meningitis were observed : increase in number of cells and total proteins, and decrease in glucose and chloride. On the second day after inoculation a significant increase in CSF osmolality in cisterna magna, but not in lateral ventricle, was observed. However, no significant changes of CSF osmolality were observed 5-7 days after inoculation. Intracranial pressure was within normal limits at that time. Animals which died from meningitis showed very high increase in CSF osmolality. Conclusion: Increased osmolality of CSF and intracranial pressure observed during the first 24 hours of meningitis return to control values over several days probably due to a gradual recovery of the blood-brain barrier integrity.

osmolality; cerebrospinal fluid

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