Dexamethasone decreases neurological sequelae and caspase activity

Intensive Care Med. 2005 Jan;31(1):146-50. doi: 10.1007/s00134-004-2462-7. Epub 2004 Oct 16.

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the use of dexamethasone in a model of meningitis-induced brain injury. Changes in neurobehavioral performance were the primary outcome variables. Changes in caspase activation and markers of neuronal injury were the secondary outcome variables.

Design: Randomized, prospective animal study.

Setting: University research laboratory.

Subjects: Male Wistar rats.

Interventions: Animals underwent a basilar cistern injection of either placebo or a suspension of Group B Streptococcus. Sixteen hours after inoculation, animals were randomized and received either dexamethasone or placebo in addition to antibiotics. Neurobehavioral performance and biological markers of brain injury were assessed at 3 days and 9 days after randomization. In a second experiment, caspase 1 and 3 were evaluated at 6 h, 24 h, and 72 h after dexamethasone administration.

Measurements and main results: Neurobehavioral performance at 3 days and 9 days was significantly improved in the dexamethasone group. Serum C-tau and cerebral edema were decreased after 3 days of dexamethasone treatment. Dexamethasone decreased Caspase 3 activation in meningitic animals.

Conclusion: These findings demonstrate that dexamethasone decreases acute brain injury in a rat model of bacterial meningitis as measured by preservation of neurobehavioral performance.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Brain Injuries / enzymology*
  • Brain Injuries / microbiology
  • Caspases / metabolism*
  • Dexamethasone / pharmacology*
  • Enzyme Activation / drug effects
  • Male
  • Meningitis, Bacterial / drug therapy
  • Meningitis, Bacterial / enzymology*
  • Motor Activity / drug effects*
  • Rats
  • Rats, Wistar
  • Streptococcal Infections / enzymology*
  • Streptococcus agalactiae

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Dexamethasone
  • Caspases