Effects of hypertonic saline and mannitol on cortical cerebral microcirculation in a rabbit craniotomy model

Background Hyperosmolar solutions have been used in neurosurgery to modify brain bulk and prevent neurological deterioration. The aim of this animal study was to compare the short-term effects of equivolemic, equiosmolar solutions of mannitol and hypertonic saline (HTS) on cerebral cortical microcirculation in a rabbit craniotomy model. Methods Rabbits (weight, 2.0–3.0 kg) were anesthetized, ventilated mechanically, and subjected to a craniotomy. The animals were allocated randomly to receive a 3.75 ml/kg intravenous infusion of either 3.2 % HTS (group HTS, n = 8) or 20 % mannitol (group MTL, n = 8). Microcirculation in the cerebral cortex was evaluated using sidestream dark-field (SDF) imaging before and 20 min after the end of the 15-min HTS infusion. Global hemodynamic data were recorded, and blood samples for laboratory analysis were obtained at the time of SDF image recording. Results No differences in the microcirculatory parameters were observed between the groups before the use of osmotherapy. After osmotherapy, lower proportions of perfused small vessel density (P = 0.0474), perfused vessel density (P = 0.0457), and microvascular flow index (P = 0.0207) were observed in the MTL group compared with those in the HTS group. Conclusions Our findings suggest that an equivolemic, equiosmolar HTS solution better preserves perfusion of cortical brain microcirculation compared to MTL in a rabbit craniotomy model.