Hydrogen peroxide at a concentration used during neurosurgery disrupts ciliary function and causes extensive damage to the ciliated ependyma of the brain.
OBJECTIVE
Hydrogen peroxide [H(2)O(2): 3% w/v (1.1 M)] has been used as a haemostatic agent during neurosurgery applied to both the external and ventricular surface of the brain. We hypothesised that H(2)O(2) would be toxic to the ciliated ependyma, a single layer of cells that separates cerebrospinal fluid from the neuronal tissue of the brain.


METHODS
The effect of H(2)O(2) was assessed by determining ependymal ciliary beat frequency (CBF) using high-speed video analysis and ultrastructure by electron microscopy.


RESULTS
Brief exposure to H(2)O(2) caused cessation of ciliary beat frequency and extensive damage of the ependyma.


CONCLUSIONS
Damage to the ciliated ependyma is of concern, as regeneration following damage is very poor and if breached underlying neuronal tissue and a population of neuronal progenitor cells that lie immediately beneath may also be exposed to H(2)O(2).
Hirst
Robert A
RA
Department of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Leicester, Robert Kilpatrick Clinical Sciences Building, Leicester Royal Infirmary, P.O. Box 65, Leicester LE2 7LX, UK.
Rutman
Andrew
A
O'Callaghan
Christopher
C
D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects*; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D002531:Cerebellum / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects*; D002923:Cilia / Q000187:drug effects; D004805:Ependyma / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000187:drug effects; D006490:Hemostatics / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006861:Hydrogen Peroxide / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar
D006490:Hemostatics; D006861:Hydrogen Peroxide