Sepsis increases intracellular free calcium in brain.
Using magnetic resonance methods and a clinically relevant rodent model of sepsis, we have made in vivo measurements of increased intracellular calcium in a pathologic state in the CNS. The intracellular calcium concentration was increased nearly twofold in septic rat brain compared with controls (p < 0.0001). This result, in a fully intact functioning mammalian system, ties together a previous spectrum of indirect evidence from numerous laboratories suggesting an important role for elevated intracellular calcium in sepsis. In addition, levels of the proinflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-a were elevated threefold in septic rat brain (p < 0.02), and electron microscopic examination revealed scattered injury in approximately 0.25% of glial cells. These findings are discussed in light of the current understanding of the pathophysiology of sepsis.
Anderson
S A
SA
Department of Chemistry, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri, USA.
Song
S K
SK
Ackerman
J J
JJ
Hotchkiss
R S
RS
D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000098:blood supply / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D002118:Calcium / Q000378:metabolism*; D002560:Cerebrovascular Circulation / Q000502:physiology*; D009682:Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy; D008297:Male; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D012016:Reference Values; D012039:Regional Blood Flow; D018805:Sepsis / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000378:metabolism
D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; D002118:Calcium