Minimally invasive procedures for intracerebral hematoma evacuation in early stages decrease perihematomal glutamate level and improve neurological function in a rabbit model of ICH.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: To observe the effects of performing a minimally invasive procedure at different stages after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) on perihematomal glutamate level and neurological function. METHODS: Forty-eight rabbits were randomly placed into a model control group (MC group, 24 rabbits) or a minimally invasive group (MI group, 24 rabbits). An ICH model was established in all of the animals. In the MI group, the ICH was evacuated by minimally invasive procedures in 6h (6 rabbits), 12h (6 rabbits), 18h (6 rabbits) and 24h (6 rabbits) after the ICH model was successfully induced. All of the animals were sacrificed within 48h after the hematoma was evacuated by surgery. A neurological deficit score was determined, and the perihematomal glutamate level and the BBB permeability were measured. RESULTS: The neurological deficit score, perihematomal glutamate level and BBB permeability of the MI group were decreased significantly compared with the MC group. Performing the minimally invasive procedures in 6-12 h after ICH showed the most significant decreases of the glutamate level, BBB permeability and neurological deficit score. CONCLUSIONS: The optimal time window of performing the minimally invasive procedures for the intracerebral hematoma evacuation might be within 6-12 h after hemorrhage.