Effects of bilateral jugular vein ligation on intracranial pressure and cerebrospinal fluid outflow resistance in cats.

In order to study the effect of jugular venous outflow obstruction on intracranial pressure and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) reabsorption capability, changes in epidural pressure (EDP) and CSF outflow resistance (Ro) were examined following bilateral jugular vein ligation in cats. EDP increased significantly (P less than 0.01) immediately after ligation from the control value of 4.9 +/- 0.5 mmHg (mean +/- SEM) to 15.9 +/- 0.9 mmHg. Thereafter, EDP gradually decreased back toward the control value. The pressure level had decreased to 6.7 +/- 0.5 mmHg by 20 minutes after ligation. The mean Ro was significantly (P less than 0.01) higher in the ligation group (200.4 +/- 9.7 mmHg/ml/min) that in the non-ligation group (120.0 +/- 9.9 mmHg/ml/min). These results suggest that bilateral jugular vein ligation impairs CSF reabsorption.