Pathophysiological changes in the cerebellum and brain stem in a rabbit model after superior petrosal vein sacrifice

In certain surgical procedures, sacrificing the superior petrosal vein (SPV) is required. Previous studies have reported transient cerebellar edema, venous infarction, or hemorrhage that might occur after sectioning of the SPV. The present study investigated the pathophysiological changes in cerebellum and brain stem after SPV sacrifice. Rabbits were divided into the operation group where the SPV was sacrificed and the control group where the SPV remained intact. Each group was further subdivided into 4, 8, 12, 24, 48, and 72 h groups which represented the time period from sacrificing of the SPV to killing of the rabbits. The water content (WC), Na + content, K + content, and pathophysiological changes in cerebellum and brain stem tissue were measured. In comparison with the control, the WC and Na + content of cerebellar tissue were increased in the 4, 8, 12, and 24 h operation subgroups ( P P + content of the cerebellar tissue decreased in the 4, 8, 12, and 24 h operation subgroups ( P P