Effects of intracisternal methylprednisolone on lipid peroxidation in experimental subarachnoid haemorrhage.

Abstract

The efficacy of intracisternal methylprednisolone was examined on lipid peroxidation in a canine subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) model. The concentration of lipid peroxides increased significantly in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) supernatant on Day 4, and also in the arterial wall on Day 7. Intracisternal administration of methylprednisolone reduced markedly the products of lipid peroxidation both in CSF and in the arterial wall. The findings suggest that lipid peroxidation might play a significant role in the genesis of vasospasm after SAH, and that direct administration of methylprednisolone into the subarachnoid space might reduce lipid peroxides in the arterial wall and so influence the prevention of vasospasm.