Inhibition by H-7 of the protein kinase C prevents formation of brain edema in Sprague-Dawley CFY rats.

The effect of the protein kinase C enzyme inhibitor H-7 was examined on the brain edema formation evoked by bilateral occlusion of the common carotid arteries in Sprague-Dawley rats of CFY strain. Brain edema was assessed by measurement of water and electrolyte contents of the brain. The results showed that pretreatment with H-7 reduced the extent of brain edema formation in a dose-dependent manner. The fact that H-7 treatment prevented the accumulation of water and certain electrolytes in the brain indicates that the protein kinase C may be activated not only in the neuronal structures but also in the microvessels during ischemia, which can lead directly or via certain calcium-mediated mechanisms to the opening of tight junctions resulting in the development of brain edema.