Treatment effects of local dexamethasone on brain edema in rabbit of brain trauma

To investigate the hydrocephalus content of locally use dexamethasone on brain edema of rabbits with serious brain trauma, and effect of Na+, K, IL-1β or TNF-α content, and to discuss the treatment of locally use dexamethasone on brain edema of rabbits with serious brain trauma. Feeney′s model was used to produce serious brain trauma in rabbits.Either dexamethasone or normal saline was given to local contusion cortex of rabbits. The injured rabbits were put to death after 24 hours or 72 hours. The contents of brain water, Na+, K+, interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were detected. Compared with saline groups,the contents of brain water and Na+ in dexamethasone groups decreased (P 0.05). Also, compared with saline groups, the contents of IL-1β and TNF-α in dexamethasone groups decreased (P 0.05). [Conclusions] The degree of brain edema greatly decrease by local dexamethasone treatment in rabbit after serious brain trauma. Its mechanism may be to anti-expression of IL-1β and TNF-α.