Predicting Acute Mountain Sickness Using Regional Sea-Level Cerebral Blood Flow

Objective To investigate the role of sea-level cerebral blood flow(CBF)in predicting acute mountain sickness(AMS)using three-dimensional pseudo-continuous arterial spin labeling(3D-pCASL).Methods Forty-eight healthy volunteers reached an altitude of 3,650 m by air after undergoing a head magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)including 3D-pCASL at sea level.The CBF values of the bilateral anterior cerebral artery(ACA),middle cerebral artery(MCA),posterior cerebral artery(PCA),and posterior inferior cerebellar artery(PICA)territories and the laterality index(LI)of CBF were compared between the AMS and non-AMS groups.Statistical analyses were performed to determine the relationship between CBF and AMS,and the predictive performance was assessed using receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves.Results The mean cortical CBF in women(81.65±2.69 mL/100 g/min)was higher than that in men(74.35±2.12 mL/100 g/min)(P<0.05).In men,the cortical CBF values in the bilateral ACA,PCA,PICA,and right MCA were higher in patients with AMS than in those without.Cortical CBF in the right PCA best predicted AMS(AUC=0.818).In women,the LI of CBF in the ACA was different between the AMS and non-AMS groups and predicted AMS with an AUC of 0.753.Conclusion Although the mechanism and prediction of AMS are quite complicated,higher cortical CBF at sea level,especially the CBF of the posterior circulatory system,may be used for prediction in male volunteers using non-invasive 3D-pCASL.

Relationship between ultrasound parameters of the umbilical and middle cerebral arteries and intrauterine fetal distress

BACKGROUND By comprehensively analyzing the blood flow parameters of the umbilical and middle cerebral arteries,doctors can more accurately identify fetal intrauterine distress,as well as assess its severity,so that timely interventions can be implemented to safeguard the health and safety of the fetus.AIM To identify the relationship between ultrasound parameters of the umbilical and middle cerebral arteries and intrauterine distress.METHODS Clinical data of pregnant women admitted between January 2021 and January 2023 were collected and divided into the observation and control groups(n=50 each),according to the presence or absence of intrauterine distress.The ultrasound hemodynamic parameters of the uterine artery(UtA),fetal middle cerebral artery(MCA),and umbilical artery(UmA)were compared with neonatal outcomes and occurrence of intrauterine distress in the two groups.RESULTS Comparison of ultrasonic hemodynamic parameters,resistance index(RI),pulsatility index(PI),and systolic maximal blood flow velocity of UmA compared to diastolic blood flow velocity(S/D),revealed higher values of fetal MCA,PI,and S/D of UmA in pregnant women with UtA compared to controls(P<0.05),while there was no difference between the two groups in terms of RI(P<0.05)The incidence of a neonatal Apgar score of 8-10 points was lower in the observation group(66.7%)than in the control group(90.0%),and neonatal weight(2675.5±27.6 g)was lower than in the control group(3117.5±31.2 g).Further,cesarean section rate was higher in the observation group(70.0%)than in the control group(11.7%),and preterm labor rate was higher in the observation group(40.0%)than in the control group(10.0%).The incidence of fetal distress,neonatal growth restriction and neonatal asphyxia were also higher in the observation group(all P<0.05).CONCLUSION Fetal MCA,UmA,and maternal UtA hemodynamic abnormalities all develop in pregnant women with intrauterine distress during late pregnancy,which suggests that clinical attention should be paid to them,and monitoring should be strengthened to provide guidance for clinical intervention.

Abnormal volumetric brain morphometry and cerebral blood flow in adolescents with depression

BACKGROUND Prior research has demonstrated that the brains of adolescents with depression exhibit distinct structural alterations.However,preliminary studies have documented the pathophysiological changes in certain brain regions,such as the cerebellum,highlighting a need for further research to support the current understanding of this disease.AIM To study brain changes in depressed adolescents.METHODS This study enrolled 34 adolescents with depression and 34 age-,sex-,and education-level-matched healthy control(HC)individuals.Structural and functional alterations were identified when comparing the brains of these two participant groups through voxel-based morphometry and cerebral blood flow(CBF)analysis,respectively.Associations between identified brain alterations and the severity of depressive symptoms were explored through Pearson correlation analyses.RESULTS The cerebellum,superior frontal gyrus,cingulate gyrus,pallidum,middle frontal gyrus,angular gyrus,thalamus,precentral gyrus,inferior temporal gyrus,superior temporal gyrus,inferior frontal gyrus,and supplementary motor areas of adolescents with depression showed an increase in brain volume compared to HC individuals.These patients with depression further presented with a pronounced drop in CBF in the left pallidum(group=98,and peak t=-4.4324),together with increased CBF in the right percental gyrus(PerCG)(group=90,and peak t=4.5382).In addition,17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale scores were significantly correlated with the increased volume in the opercular portion of the left inferior frontal gyrus(r=-0.5231,P<0.01).CONCLUSION The right PerCG showed structural and CBF changes,indicating that research on this part of the brain could offer insight into the pathophysiological causes of impaired cognition.

Measurements Of Cerebral Blood Flow in Postasphyxiated Newborns by Color Doppler Imaging（CDI）

Cerebral blood flow of 10 asphyxiated term newborns was continuously measured during the first 7 days of life and compared with that of 10 normal term infants by CDI. Frequency spectrum and blood flow variables in the anterior, middle and posterior cerebral arteries were studied. The results showed evidently lower systolic amplitude in patients than that in normal subjects. End diastolic amplitude was zero in part of vessels, and values of bloed flow variables were all lower in day 1 of the life as compared with the control groups. Frequency spectrum recovered to normal patterns in 9 survived infants in day 2. but blood flow variables recovered to normal by day 7. Values of resistance index (RI) rose to 1 in some vessels of moderate hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) infants and stayed at 1 in the severe HIE infants. It is concluded that low CBF plays a key role in brain damage of post-asphyxiated newborns and RI may be an important parameter in the evaluation prognosis.

Impact of Intraoperative Blood Pressure Control and Temporary Parent Artery Blocking on Prognosis in Cerebral Aneurysms Surgery

Objective In cerebral aneurysm clipping and embolization, blood pressure control and temporaryparent artery blocking are common methods to prevent aneurysm rupture. Their influence on the prognosis isuncertain. In this study, we try to find out the association between methods above and prognostic indicators.

Electroacupuncture induces acute changes in cerebral cortical mi RNA profile, improves cerebral blood flow and alleviates neurological deficits in a rat model of stroke

Electroacupuncture has been shown to improve cerebral blood flow in animal models of stroke. However, it is unclear whether electroacupuncture alters mi RNA expression in the cortex. In this study, we examined changes in the cerebral cortical mi RNA profile, cerebral blood flow and neurological function induced by electroacupuncture in a rat model of stroke. Electroacupuncture was performed at Renzhong（GV26） and Neiguan（PC6）, with a frequency of 2 Hz, continuous wave, current intensity of 3.0 m A, and stimulation time of 1 minute. Electroacupuncture increased cerebral blood flow and alleviated neurological impairment in the rats. mi RNA microarray profiling revealed that the vascular endothelial growth factor signaling pathway, which links cell proliferation with stroke, was most significantly affected by electroacupuncture. Electroacupuncture induced changes in expression of rno-mi R-206-3p, rno-mi R-3473, rno-mi R-6216 and rno-mi R-494-3p, and these changes were confirmed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Our findings suggest that changes in cell proliferation-associated mi RNA expression induced by electroacupuncture might be associated with the improved cerebral blood supply and functional recovery following stroke.

A New Method for Evaluating Regional Cerebral Blood Flow Changes:Laser Speckle Contrast Imaging in a C57BL/6J Mouse Model of Photothrombotic Ischemia

The present study aimed to improve the processing of data acquired from laser speckle contrast imaging（LSCI） to provide a standardization method to explore changes in regional cerebral blood flow（r CBF） and to determine the correlations among r CBF, cerebral ischemic lesion volume and microvascular density over time in a focal ischemic region. C57BL/6J mice were subjected to focal photothrombotic（PT） ischemia. r CBF was measured using LSCI at different time points before and after PT ischemia through an intact skull. Standardized r CBF（Sr CBF）, defined as the ratio of r CBF measured in the ipsilateral region of interest（ROI） to that in the corresponding contralateral region, was calculated to evaluate potential changes. In addition, the volume of the ischemic lesion and the microvascular density were determined using Nissl staining and immunofluorescence, respectively. The relationships among the ischemic lesion volume, microvascular density and Sr CBF were analyzed over time. The results showed that the cortical r CBF measured using LSCI following PT ischemia in the C57BL/6J mice gradually increased. Changes in the cerebral ischemic lesion volume were negatively correlated with Sr CBF in the ischemic region. Changes in the microvascular density were similar to those observed in Sr CBF. Our findings indicate that LSCI is a practical technique for observing changes in murine cortical r CBF without skull opening and for analyzing the relationships among the ischemic lesion volume, microvascular density and Sr CBF following focal cerebral ischemia. Preliminary results also suggest that the use of LSCI to observe the formation of collateral circulation is feasible.

REAL-TIME MONITORING OF MITOCHONDRIAL FUNCTION AND CEREBRAL BLOOD FLOW FOLLOWING FOCAL ISCHEMIA IN RATS

Focal ischemia due to reduction of cerebral blood flow(CBF),creates 2 zones of damage:the core area,which suffers severe damage,and penumbra area,which surrounds the core and suffers intermediate levels of injury.Objectives:A novel method is introduced,which evaluates mitochondrial function in the core and in the penumbra,during focal cerebral ischemia.Methods:Wistar rats underwent focal cerebral ischemia by middle cerebral artery occlusion(MCAO)for 60 minutes,followed by 60 minutes of reperfusion.Mitochondrial function was assessed by a unique Multi-Site—Multi-Parametric(MSMP)monitoring system,which measures mitochondrial NADH using fluorometric technique,and CBF using Laser Doppler Flowmetry(LDF).Results:At the onset of occlusion,CBF dropped and NADH increased significantly only in the right hemisphere.CBF levels were significantly lower and NADH significantly higher in the core than in the penumbra.After reperfusion,CBF and NADH recovered correspondingly to the intensity of ischemia.Conclusion:Application of the MSMP system can add significant information for the understanding of the cerebral metabolic state under ischemic conditions,with an emphasis on mitochondrial function.

CLINICAL OBSERVATION ABOUT THE EFFECT OF BLOOD-LETTING OF JING-POINTS ON CEREBRAL BLOOD FLOW IN STROKE PATIENTS AT THE EARLY STAGE AND EXPERIMENTAL STUDY ON ITS MECHANISMS IN THE RABBIT

In this paper, the authors sum their research results about the effect of blood-letting of Jing (Well)-point on cerebral blood flow both in stroke patients and in experimental cerebral ischemia, cerebral hematoma and hypertension rabbits. In 30 cases of stroke (cerebral hemorrhage and cerebral infarction) patients, blood flow state of the anterior cerebral artery (ACA), middle cerebral artery (MCA) and the posterior cerebral artery (PCA), and the blood flow velocity of the bilateral vertebral artery (VA) and the basil artery (BA) are determined before and after pricking blood of the Twelve Jing-points. In experimental cerebral ischemia (by occlusion of the common carotid artery) rabbits, cerebral hematoma model rabbits and intravenous injection of noradrenaline induced hypertension rabbits, rheoencephalogram (REC) is detected before and after blood letting of the twelve "Jing"-points. In these 30 stroke patients, ultrasound Doppler examination’s results show that in 22 cases (73.33%) whose blood flow velocity decreases, after blood-letting of the 12 Jing-points, it increases significantly (P<0.01); in the rest 8 cases ( 26.67%) whose blood flow velocity speeds up, after treatment, it decreases evidently (P<0.01), showing a good dual-directional regulative effect of blood-letting therapy. In experimental cerebral ischemia rabbits, cerebral hematoma rabbits and hypertension rabbits whose REG lowers in the amplitude apparently (P<0.01), after blood letting stimulation of the 12 Jing-points, it increases at different degrees. Three patterns of stimulation as blood letting stimulation, pain stimulation and Jing-point stimulation, also the 3 factors of blood-letting therapy, may contribute to their effect on improvement of the cerebral blood flow. Somatic afferent nerve, sympathetic nerve of the vascular wall, central cholinergic nerve (M receptors) and adrenergic nerve (α receptors) participate in the effect of blood letting on cerebral blood flow.

Improvement of regional cerebral blood flow after oral intake of ranched-chain amino acids in patients with cirrhosis

AIM: To evaluate the effect of oral intake of branchedchain amino acids (BCAA) on brain perfusion in patients with liver cirrhosis.METHODS: Single photon emission computed tomography scans were performed in 43 patients with cirrhosis and in 15 age-matched healthy subjects.Twenty-nine out of forty-three patients were randomly treated with either BCAA granules or placebo, and single photon emission computed tomography was performed before and after the treatment. We measured the regional cerebral blood flow values using a threedimensional stereotaxic region of interest template.RESULTS: Cirrhotic patients had regions of significant hypoperfusion in the bilateral central (right P=0.039,P＜0.05; left P = 0.006 P＜0.01), parietal (right P=0.018, P＜0.05;left P=0.009, P＜0.01), angular (right P=0.039, P＜0.05;left P = 0.008, P＜0.01), and left pericallosal segments (P= 0.038 P＜0.05) as compared with healthy subjects. A significant increase in cerebral perfusion was observed 70 min after the oral intake of BCAA in the angular (right P=0.012,P＜0.05;left P=0.049, P＜0.05), temporal (right P=0.012, P＜0.05; left P=0.038, P＜0.05), pericallosal segments (right P = 0.025,P＜0.05; left P = 0.049, P＜0.05) and left precentral (P=0.044, P＜0.05), parietal (P=0.040, P＜0.05) and thalamus (P=0.033, P＜0.05). No significant change in perfusion was observed in the placebo group.CONCLUSION: Administration of BCAA rapidly improves cerebral perfusion.

Clinical Efficacy of Modified Erchen Decoction on Cervical Spondylotic Vertebral Arteriopathy with Stagnation and Blockade of Phlegm-dampness Syndrome and Effects on Cerebral Blood Flow Parameters

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of Modified Erchen Decoction on cervical spondylotic vertebral arteriopathy with stagnation and blockade of phlegm-dampness syndrome and effects on cerebral blood flow parameters. METHODS: A total of 80 cervical spondylotic vertebral arteriopathy(CSA) patients with stagnation and blockade of phlegmdampness syndrome admitted to our hospital from October 2016 to April 2017 were selected and randomly divided into observation group and control group, with 40 cases in each group. The observation group was treated with Modified Erchen Decoction and the control group was given conventional treatment with Western medicine. After 4 weeks of treatment, the main clinical symptoms and signs(vertigo, neck and shoulder pain, headache, psychological and social adjustment, daily life and work) and cerebral blood flow parameters [the peak values of intracranial vertebral-basal artery diastolic blood flow velocity(Vd) and systolic blood flow velocity(Vp)] were compared between the 2 groups. The total clinical effective rate and adverse reactions during treatment were also compared. RESULTS: After treatment, the total effective rate of the observation group was 90.0%, which was significantly higher than that of the control group(77.5%). The difference between the two groups was statistically significant(P < 0.05). After treatment, The scores of vertigo, neck and shoulder pain, headache, psychology and society adaptation, daily life and work were significantly increased(P < 0.05), and the above scores of the observation group were increased more obviously. The difference between the groups was statistically significant(P < 0.05). After treatment, the levels of Vd and Vp were significantly increased(P < 0.05), and the increase of the above indexes was more obvious in the observation group. The difference between the 2 groups was statistically significant(P < 0.05). There were no significant abnormalities in blood routine, urine routine, liver function and renal function. There was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the 2 groups.(P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The treatment of vertebral artery type cervical spondylopathy with stagnation and blockade of phlegm-dampness syndrome by Modified Erchen Decoction can effectively relieve the main clinical symptoms and signs, improve cerebral blood flow parameters, and improve the peak values of vertebral-basal artery diastolic blood flow velocity(Vd) and systolic blood flow velocity(Vp), which is safe and effective, and helps to promote the recovery of cervical function.

Enhancing hippocampal blood flow after cerebral ischemia and vasodilating basilar arteries:in vivo and in vitro neuroprotective effect of antihypertensive DDPH

1-（2,6-Dimethylphenoxy）-2-（3,4-dimethoxyphenylethylamino）-propane hydrochloride （DDPH） is a novel antihypertensive agent based on structural characteristics of mexiletine and verapamine. We investigated the effect of DDPH on vasodilatation and neuroprotection in a rat model of cerebral ischemiain vivo, and a rabbit model of isolated basilar arteriesin vitro. Our results show that DDPH （10 mg/kg） significantly increased hippocampal blood flowin vivo in cerebral ischemic rats, and exerted dose-dependent relaxation of isolated basilar arteries contracted by histamine or KCl in thein vitro rabbit model. DDPH （3 × 10–5 M） also inhibited histamine-stimulated extracellular calcium inlfux and intracellular calcium release. Our ifndings suggest that DDPH has a vasodilative effect bothin vivo andin vitro, which mediates a neuropro-tective effect on ischemic nerve tissue.

Optimal velocity encoding during measurement of cerebral blood flow volume using phase-contrast magnetic resonance angiography

This study investigated the effect of velocity encoding on measurement of brain blood flow and blood volume of inflow and outflow using phase-contrast magnetic resonance angiography. A single two-dimensional phase-contrast magnetic resonance angiography slice was applied perpendicular to the internal carotid artery and the vertebral artery at C2 level. For each subject, the velocity encoding was set from 30 to 90 cm/s with an interval of 10 cm/s for a total of seven settings. Various velocity encodings greatly affected blood flow volume, maximal blood flow velocity and mean blood flow velocity in the internal carotid artery, but did not significantly affect vertebral arteries and jugular veins. When velocity encoding was 60-80 cm/s, the inflow blood volume was 655 _＋ 118 mL/min, and the outflow volume was 506 _＋ 186 mL/min. The ratio of outflow/inflow was steady at 0.78-0.83, and there was no aliasing in any of the images. These findings suggest that velocity encodings of 60 80 cm/s should be selected during measurement of cerebral blood flow volume using phase-contrast magnetic resonance angiography.

Characterization of cerebral blood flow dynamics with multiscale entropy

Based on the laser speckle contrast imaging(LSCI)and the multiscale entropy(MSE),we study in this work the blood flow dynamics at the levels of cerebral veins and the surrounding network of microcerebral vessels.We discuss how the phenylephrine-related acute peripheral bypertension is refected in the cerebral circulation and show that the observed changes are scale dependent,and they are signifcantly more pronounced in microcerebral vessels,while the macrocerebral dynamics does not demonstrate authentic inter-group distinctions.We also consider the permeability of blood-brain barrier(BBB)and study its opening caused by sound exposure.We show that alterations associated with the BBB opening can be revealed by the analysis of blood flow at the level of macrocerebral vessels.

THE EXPERIMENTAL STUDY OF STRESS-RELATED PATHOLOGICAL CHANGES IN CEREBRAL VENOUS BLOOD FLOW IN NEWBORN RATS ASSESSED BY DOCT

In experiments on newbom rats with stress related intracrani al hemorhage(ICH)using Doppler optical coberence tomognaphy(DOCT)we have shown that latent stage of ICH(4 h after stress)is characterized by decrease of venous blood outflow and the loss of sensitivity of sagittal vein to vasoconstrictor ffect of adrenaline.The incidence of ICH(24 h after stress)was accompanied by progressi on of early pathological changes in cerebral venous blood flow(CVBF)and development of venous insufficiency.Taking into consideration of this fact,we suggest that the suppression of CVBF related to the severity to the deleterious effect of stress on the brain hemodynamics in newborn rats.These facts allow us to conclude that the venous insufficiency with the loss of vasoconstrictor response to adrenaline is an informative and sensitive component of pattern of CVBF that can be important diagnostic criteria of risk of ICH development in newborns.

The effects of perfluorocarbon dosing strategy on cerebral blood flow when starting partial liquid ventilation: A randomized, controlled, experimental study

Introduction: Partial liquid ventilation may benefit the lung disease in preterm neonates but intratracheal instillation of perfluorocarbon increases cerebral blood flow and may cause brain injury. We aimed to determine if the effects of perfluorocarbon administration on cerebral blood flow vary by dose-volume, rate of administration, endotracheal tube portal of entry, or closely targeting PaCO2. Methods: Forty-two dosing events (in eleven rabbits) were randomised to different dosing strategies, including a sham (i.e., placebo/control) dose of air over 20 min, 20 mL/kg of perfluorocarbon slowly over 20 min, 10 mL/kg of perfluorocarbon slowly over 20 min, 10 mL/kg of perfluorocarbon moderately fast over 10 min, 10 mL/kg of perfluorocarbon rapidly over 5 min, 10 mL/kg of perfluorocarbon slowly over 20 min via the endotracheal tube tip lumen (as opposed to the proximal end of the tube used in all other groups), or 10 mL/kg of perfluorocarbon slowly over 20 min whilst targeting a PaCO2 of 45 - 50 mmHg. Blood gases, haemodynamics, cortical cerebral blood flow and carotid flow were recorded continuously for 30 minutes from the start of each dose. Results: Carotid flow increased with 20 mL/kg perfluorocarbon and cortical cerebral blood flow was significantly more variable. Carotid and cortical cerebral blood flow increased using 10 mL/kg or 20 mL/kg with no difference between the two dose-volumes. There was no difference in cerebral blood flow by rate of administration, but carotid blood flow was more variable during slow administration. There were no differences in the increase in cerebral blood flow by portal of entry. If PaCO2 was maintained between 45 - 50 mmHg there was no increase in cerebral blood flow and there was less variable carotid flow. Conclusions: Cerebral blood flow increases with perfluorocarbon dosing. This occurs regardless of the dose-volume of perfluorocarbon. These effects were mitigated by closely targeting PaCO2.

Role of the Peripheral Sympathetic Innervations in Controlling Cerebral Blood Flow after the Transection of Bilateral Superior Cervical Sympathetic Ganglia Two Weeks Later

Background: Cerebral blood vessels are mainly supplied by sympathetic nerves arising from the superior cervical ganglia and cerebral blood volume may be influenced by bilateral superior cervical ganglionectomy (SCG). Various stages of cerebral blood volume changes depended on the time following bilateral excision of SCG. In this study, we emphasize the subacute effect (two weeks) on the local cerebral blood flow (LCBF). Material and Methods: Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 250 ~ 400 gm (n = 20) were selected into two groups. Under the ambient temperature 20oC, the first group animals (n = 10) received sham operation and the other group animals (n = 10) underwent bilateral SCG. The LCBF and O2 delivery of 14 brain struc-tures were measured for each animal by the use of 14C-iodoantipyrine technique two weeks after the opera-tion. Results: The average of LCBF was decreased from 150 ml/100 gm/min to 129 ml/100 gm/min after bi-lateral SCG. Only the LCBF at basal ganglia was increased from 108 ml/min/100 g in the sham-operated group to 118 ml/min/100g in the SCG group. A mean of 14% reduction of LCBF was estimated. In 14 brain structures, the delivery amount of O2 was all decreased, except in basal ganglia. However, these changes of LCBF and the delivery amount of O2 at these 14 brain structures did not reach the significant differences. Conclusions: The present results show that chronic effect (two weeks) of bilateral SCG on LCBF was not only in a decrease of the LCBF, but also a decrease of local cerebral O2 delivery. However, the changes didn’t show the significant differences.

Cerebral Blood Flow Measurement in the Assessment of Post-Traumatic Cerebral Contusions

Brain trauma (BT) is extremely common in the Western society, and has been identified as the main cause of death and disability in the under-40 age group. Many aspects of the pathophysiological mechanisms involved and the effect of changes in cerebral metabolism are unclear. The aim of this study was to establish the rela- tionship between anatomical changes and deranged cerebral perfusion in patients with cerebral contusions, using Computed Tomography (CT) and Single Proton Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT). Twenty- two (22) patients who had suffered BT were recruited. All patients underwent SPECT and CT head scans on the same day. 18 were men. Patient average age was 45.6. Patients were assessed using the Glasgow scale (average 10.6). Cause of trauma included traffic accidents (9 patients) and falls (13 patients). A 4-slice spiral CT scan was performed. For each contusion, areas of bleeding, edema, and healthy perilesional tissue were distinguished. SPECT was performed with 20 mCi of 99 mTcECD using a dual-head gamma camera (128 × 128 matrix). CT scan revealed a single lesion in 12 patients, and more than one lesion in 10. The biggest le- sions found on CT were located in the frontal region in 13 patients;temporal region in 4;and parietal region in 1;four patients had poorly defined lesions. A total absence of perfusion was visible in 18 patients in the hemorrhagic area and in 14 patients in the edema, In 7 cases SPECT showed hypoperfusion that did not cor- respond to any morphological changes on the CT scan. Quantitative of fused lesions appearing on both CT scan and SPECT revealed severe perfusion defects in the hemorrhagic area (17.8%) and in the edema (29.4%). In our study, regional cerebral blood flow add relevant information on encephalic damage in pa- tients with BT.

Effect of Shuxuetong injection on platelet function, hemorheology and cerebral blood flow in patients with ischemic stroke

Objective:To investigate the effect of Shuxuetong injection on platelet function, hemorheology and cerebral blood flow in patients with ischemic stroke.Methods: One hundred cases of ischemic stroke admitted in our hospital from February 2015 to January 2017 were randomly divided into control group and observation group. The control group was given routine treatment. The observation group was given Shuxuetong injection on the basis of the control group. The changes of platelet function, hemorheology and cerebral blood flow before and after treatment were detected in both groups.Results: After treatment, the whole blood viscosity, plasma viscosity and fibrinogen level in both groups were significantly lower than those before treatment. The whole blood viscosity, plasma viscosity and fibrinogen level in the observation group were (4.18±0.05) mPa?s, (1.66±0.12) mPa?s and (3.45±0.08) g/L, respectively, which were significantly lower than the control group;After treatment, the levels of MCA, ACA and PCA in both groups were significantly increased. MCA, ACA and PCA levels in the observation group were (70.82±4.13) cm/s, (60.62±3.55) cm/s and (54.11±2.36) cm/s, which were significantly higher than those in the control group;After treatment, the maximum platelet aggregation rate, PLT, MPV and PDW levels in the two groups significantly decreased. The maximum platelet aggregation rate, PLT, MPV and PDW levels in the observation group were (27.93±1.44)% and (155.32±13.46)×109/L, (9.42±0.32) fL and (9.12±0.24) fL, respectively, which were significantly lower than those in the control group. Conclusions: Shuxuetong injection can effectively improve the patient's hemorheology and platelet function, improve the level of cerebral blood flow in patients with significant effect, it is worth further clinical application.

EFFECT OF ELECTROACUPUNCTURE ON CEREBRAL BLOOD FLOW, VIP AND ET IN RATS WITH VASCULAR DEMENTIA

Objective: To investigate the relationship between electroacupuncture (EA)-induced improvement of regional cerebral blood flow and the alternations of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and endothelin (ET) in rats with experimental vascular dementia (VD). Methods: 40 Wistar rats were evenly randomized into sham-operation, model, medication (Nimotone) and EA groups. Vascular dementia model was established by repeated cerebral ischemia-reperfusion which was induced by occlusion and reopen of the bilateral common carotid arteries. EA (2～200 Hz, 2～3 mA) was applied to "Baihui"(GV 20), "Dazhui"(GV 14) and "Zusanli"(ST 36) for 30 min, once daily and continuously for 15 days. The regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) in parietal lobe and hippocampus was determined with method of hydrogen clearance; a step-down avoidance test was adopted to observe the rats’ behavior change; and plasma VIP and ET contents were assayed by radioimmunoassay. Results: In comparison with sham-operation group, the correct rate of step-down avoidance test, rCBF in parietal lobe and hippocampus and plasma VIP level in VD model group lowered significantly (P<0.01) and plasma ET increased considerably (P<0.01). However, compared with model group, the correct rate of step-down avoidance test, rCBF values and plasma VIP in EA group raised obviously while plasma ET declined significantly. No significant differences were found between EA and medication groups in the 4 indexes. Conclusion: EA can raise rCBF in the parietal lobe and hippocampus, elevate plasma VIP level and reduce plasma ET in rats with VD.