A unifying concept on the pathogenesis of brain oedemas.

The molecular mechanisms operating within the cerebral endothelium have been analysed in relation to the formation of brain oedema states. With respect to their pathogenesis, the activation of a cyclic nucleotide-generating system and lipolysis seems in particular to be of neuropathological importance. As these molecular mechanisms were seen to be activated in oedemas with primary vascular reactions and in those following ischaemic brain injury, it is proposed that, from a pathogenetic point of view, brain oedemas have a common vascular origin.