The present study is the first in which the effects of MAPK inhibitors on vasospasm have been investigated in vivo. The authors demonstrate that MAPK may play a role in vasospasm and that PD-98059 is a potential candidate for the treatment of cerebral vasospasm.

The primary cause of spinal cord injury (SCI) is automobile collisions, followed by violence, falls, and injuries in sporting events. The patient is most frequently a young male. Regardless of cause and age, SCI is a potentially catastrophic injury. The unique anatomical relationship of the spinal cord, being enclosed in the dural sac within the bony vertebral column, make it venerable to a wide range of traumatic insults. SCI is classified as complete or incomplete with several subclasses arranged under each of these respective headings. The probability of recovery to a functional state is usually better for patients with incomplete injuries. Treatment for SCI involves initially immobilizing the injured vertebral column, medications to prevent secondary injury, and potential surgery to release pressure on the spinal cord and restore stability to the vertebral column. Postsurgical care is directed toward prevention and treatment of secondary complications of SCI such as respiratory failure, deep venous thrombosis, and decubitus ulcers. Advances in these areas are providing patients with a greater probability of recovery, a longer life, and a better quality of life. Research in the clinical and basic sciences is opening new avenues of hope for the spinal cord injury patient.

Optison is a new echocardiographic contrast agent, designed for IV injection, that is very useful in delineating cardiac structures during ultrasound examination. Because Optison could be a valuable adjunct in the diagnosis and evaluation of congenital heart disease, this study was undertaken to assess its effects on the blood-brain barrier when introduced directly in the cerebral circulation, as might occur with some congenital lesions. In this study, Sprague-Dawley rats were anesthetized, and Optison, at various dosages, was injected into the carotid artery. After this, Evans blue dye, a marker for blood-brain barrier disruption, was injected at different time intervals. Gross and histologic examination of the animals' brains revealed disruption of the blood-brain barrier that appeared to be Optison-dosage-dependent. Although the mechanism for this disruption is unclear, it may be related to the use of octofluoropropane gas used in the Optison as a contrast medium. Further studies are necessary to determine the pathologic consequences of Optison's effects on the blood-brain barrier.

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