Changes of the Expression and Activity of Phosphodiesterase V in the Basilar Artery Before and After Cerebral Vasospasm in a Rabbit Model.

OBJECTIVE

To examine changes of expression and activity of phosphodiesterase V (PDE V) in the basilar artery following cerebral vasospasm (CVS) after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) in a rabbit model.

METHODS

A rabbit model of CVS after SAH was constructed by double blood injection into the cisterna magna. Subjects were divided into 3 groups: blank control group, normal saline group, and SAH group. Transcranial Doppler and selective vertebrobasilar digital subtraction angiography were performed to identify changes of CVS. Changes of PDE V expression and activity were examined.

RESULTS

Mean basilar arterial blood flow rate measured by transcranial Doppler was significantly increased in the SAH group compared with the blank control group and normal saline group. Mean basilar artery diameter measured by digital subtraction angiography in the SAH group was narrower than in the other 2 groups. Compared with the other 2 groups, the expression of PDE V in the SAH group was significantly upregulated, and the activity was significantly enhanced.

CONCLUSIONS

The rabbit model of SAH-induced CVS was successfully constructed through double blood injection method. Increased basilar artery blood flow, narrowing of the basilar artery, increased PDE V expression, and enhanced PDE V activity in the basilar artery were detected in the CVS rabbits, suggesting that PDE V has the potential to be used as a target for CVS therapy.