Effect of Valproic Acid on Vasospasm at Experimental Subarachnoidal Hemorrhage Model

Abstract

Background and Purpose: The main purpose of our study was to observe the changes occuring on arterial walls due to experimental SAH model and to investigate the effects of valproic acid on the basilar artery and brain tissues to prevent these changes and vasospasm.

Material and Method: We used 24 New Zeland rabbits. Animals were randomly divided into three groups as control (C), subarachnoidal hemorrhage (SAH) and valproic acid (VPA) groups. Cisterna magna puncture was done to all animals. SAH occured by giving non heparinised autologous blood except control group. 100 mg/kg of Valproic acid was given intra peritoneally to treatment group. All animals were sacrified after 48 hours. All experimental and surgical procedures were approved by İnönü University Animal Research Comittee.

Results: Our expectation was the arterial lumen area of SAH group will be smaller than control group. After statistical calculations we found that our expectation was similiar with our findings that the smallest artery lumen was seen in SAH group and the largest artery lumen was seen in control group. These differences were statistically significant.

Conclusion: Our findings showed that Valproic acid can prevent vasospasm by preventing arterial wall changes induced by SAH. It may be clinically beneficial at patients suffering from vasospasm due to SAH.