Brain Volume and Thiocyanate Space in Local Cold In jury

Abstract

Edema of the underlying white matter has been shown to occur after the production of a localized cortical cold lesion in the cat.^10-12 The purpose of the present study was to measure the duration and extent of the experimental edema produced by this method, with regard to changes in brain volume, the chloride space, and the thiocyanate space. A similar type of brain injury produced through the intact skull by freezing of the overlying calvarium has been extensively studied by Clasen and associates.² Water and electrolyte changes which accompany this type of experimental lesion have also been reported.^3,16 In general, edema fluid is considered to be similar in electrolyte composition to blood plasma, so that the edematous increase in brain volume is usually correlated with increments in tissue sodium or chloride. This relationship apparently pertains to all forms of cerebral edema, regardless of etiology. In edema produced