Influence of a continuous high dose infusion of mannitol on cerebral blood flow in normal dogs.

In normal dogs, the continuous infusion of 2 g of mannitol per kg resulted in a transient increase in cerebral blood flow of approximately 30%, which was accompanied by a concomitant reduction in cerebrovascular resistance. These changes were maximal 30 minutes after the infusion was initiated and resolved by 180 minutes. The changes were not related to alterations in arterial blood gases, systemic arterial or central venous pressures, or heart rate.