Effects of ebselen (PZ51) on ischaemic brain oedema after focal ischaemia in cats.

Using a transorbital middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion model in cats, we evaluated the anti-oedema effects of a new anti-inflammatory agent, ebselen (PZ51), on ischaemic cortical oedema caused by prolonged ischaemia and recirculation. Local cerebral blood flow was measured by the hydrogen clearance method in the MCA territory and the corresponding cortical specific gravity was assessed by a microgravimetric technique. Ebselen had no significant effect on normal and ischaemic lCBF, while it significantly ameliorated post-ischaemic hypoperfusion following recirculation. In the severely ischaemic regions, microgravimetry showed the beneficial effects on the ischaemic oedema caused by prolonged ischaemia and recirculation as well. Although the exact site of action is undetermined in this study, the observed effects of ebselen may be ascribed to this agent's broad-spectrum of anti-inflammatory activities.