Aim: To investigate the effect of dl-3-n-butylphthalide (dl-NBP) on experimental subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) in rats.
Methods: SAH was induced by injection of autologous artery blood 0.35 mL into lateral ventricle. Regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) in caudate nucleus was determined by hydrogen clearance method.
Results: A rapid and marked decrease in rCBF in caudate nucleus was observed 15 min after SAH and the rCBF remained at low level (about 50% pre-SAH value) within 180 min. dl-NBP (50, 100 mg.kg-1, i.g.) increased rCBF 30-180 min after the onset of SAH without significant effect on mean artery blood pressure. dl-NBP 100 mg.kg-1 increased rCBF in caudate nucleus by 26% at 15 min and by 36% at 180 min respectively after SAH. d-NBP but not l-NBP (10 mg.kg-1, i.p.) increased rCBF.
Conclusion: dl-NBP improves rCBF in caudate nucleus of rats subjected to SAH.