Modelling and preventing the development of chronic communicating hydrocephalus

[摘要] In post-haemorrhagic communicating hydrocephalus, CSF drainage is obstructed by subarachnoid fibrosis in which the fibrogenic cytokine transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) has been aetiologically implicated. Here, the hypothesis that the TGF-β antagonist Decorin has therapeutic potential for (1) reducing fibrosis and the development of hydrocephalus and (2) degrading fibrosis and resolving hydrocephalus, was tested using a rat model of juvenile communicating hydrocephalus. In the acute study, hydrocephalus was induced by a basal cistern injection of kaolin in 3-week-old rats, immediately followed by continuous intraventricular infusion of either human recombinant Decorin or PBS. In the chronic study, hydrocephalus was allowed to develop for 7 days before starting the treatment of Decorin or PBS. Ventricular expansion was measured by magnetic resonance imaging. Inflammation, fibrosis, Decorin, TGF-β/Smad2/3 activation and hydrocephalic brain pathology were evaluated by immunohistochemistry and basic histology. In the acute study continuous Decorin infusion prevented the development of hydrocephalus by blocking TGF-β- induced subarachnoid fibrosis and protected against hydrocephalic brain damage. In the chronic study Decorin had no impact on hydrocephalus, TGF-β1 levels or subarachnoid fibrosis, however the efficiency of Decorin infusion was in disrepute. The results suggest that Decorin is a potential clinical therapeutic for the prevention of juvenile post-haemorrhagic communicating hydrocephalus.

[发布机构] University:University of Birmingham;Department:School of Clinical and Experimental Medicine

[关键词] R Medicine;R Medicine (General)