Systemic administration of the potassium channel activator cromakalim attenuates cerebral vasospasm after experimental subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

Cerebral vasospasm is a primary complication after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Recent evidence indicates that the activation of potassium (K+) channels may be of benefit in relieving spastic constriction. The present study examined the effects of systemic administration of a K+ channel activator, cromakalim, on cerebral vasospasm after experimental SAH.

METHODS:

Experimental SAH was performed in rabbits by injecting autologous blood into the cisterna magna. Intravenous injections of cromakalim or vehicle were administered twice daily with the first injection administered 1 hour after induction of SAH. Animals were killed by perfusion-fixation 48 hours after SAH. Basilar arteries were removed and sectioned, and the luminal cross-sectional areas were measured.

RESULTS:

Experimental SAH induced cerebral vasospasm in untreated and vehicle-treated animals. Cromakalim attenuated cerebral vasospasm in a dose-dependent manner. This effect achieved statistical significance at doses of 0.1 and 0.3 mg/kg.

CONCLUSION:

These results support the concept that targeting vascular K+ channels can be of benefit in preventing the development of cerebral vasospasm. The findings also indicate that cromakalim represents a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of cerebrovascular pathophysiology after SAH.

• Authors: A L Kwan, C L Lin, H Yanamoto, S L Howng, N F Kassell, K S Lee
• Journal: Neurosurgery (Neurosurgery) Vol. 42 Issue 2 Pg. 347-50; discussion 350-1 (Feb 1998) ISSN: 0148-396X [Print] United States
• PMID: 9482186 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.)

Chemical References

• Potassium Channels
• Cromakalim

Topics

• Animals
• Basilar Artery (drug effects, pathology)
• Cromakalim (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
• Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
• Injections, Intravenous
• Ischemic Attack, Transient (drug therapy, etiology, pathology)
• Male
• Potassium Channels (agonists)
• Rabbits
• Subarachnoid Hemorrhage (complications)