Objectives: Hydrogen peroxide [H(2)O(2): 3% w/v (1.1 M)] has been used as a haemostatic agent during neurosurgery applied to both the external and ventricular surface of the brain. We hypothesised that H(2)O(2) would be toxic to the ciliated ependyma, a single layer of cells that separates cerebrospinal fluid from the neuronal tissue of the brain.
Materials and methods: The effect of H(2)O(2) was assessed by determining ependymal ciliary beat frequency (CBF) using high-speed video analysis and ultrastructure by electron microscopy.
Results: Brief exposure to H(2)O(2) caused cessation of ciliary beat frequency and extensive damage of the ependyma.
Conclusions: Damage to the ciliated ependyma is of concern, as regeneration following damage is very poor and if breached underlying neuronal tissue and a population of neuronal progenitor cells that lie immediately beneath may also be exposed to H(2)O(2).