Effects of Prostaglandin E₂ on Brain Edema and Liver Histopathology in A Galactosamine-Induced Fulminant Hepatic Failure Rat Model

Abstract

The effects of prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) on the histopathology of liver and brain edema was studied in the galactosamine-induced fulminant hepatic failure (GalN-FHF) rat model. The effect of PGE₂ on the development of brain edema was studied in grade II coma FHF rats by electron microscopy and by measurement of brain water content and brain swelling. Electron microscopy revealed extensive pericapillary astroglial cell swelling and morphological changes of its subcellular organdies in control FHF rats. PGE₂ injected FHF rats showed reduced astroglial swelling and brain edema. PGE₂ administration significantly (p<0.02) inhibited the progression of both brain edema and brain tissue swelling when compared with saline injected control FHF animals. However, the liver damage shown in EM assessment appeared to progress after PGE₂ injection. This would appear that PGE₂ is acting directly on the Blood Bain Barrier (BBB) to preserve it despite progressive hepatic failure.

Key Words:

• Blood brain barrier (BBB)
• Brain edema
• Brain swelling
• Fulminant hepatic failure (FHF)
• Galactosamine (GalN)
• Prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂)
• hepatic coma