Torasemide, a puridine-3-sulfonylurea derivative, is a lipophilic
diuretic compound. It interacts with the Na+2Cl-K+ carrier and at higher concentrations with the
chloride channels. The lipophilic nature of
torasemide may determine its access to glial and neuronal cells across the blood brain barrier. The present study was performed to establish whether
torasemide could modify intracranial pressure and
cytotoxic brain edema in functionally nephrectomized Wistar rats (150-240 g).
Brain edema of the cytotoxic type was induced by infusion of 100 ml aqua bidest/kg
body weight. After the end of the infusion 100 mg
torasemide/kg
body weight or a corresponding volume of isotonic saline were injected followed by continuous continued recording of ICP and systemic arterial pressure for at least 3 hours.
Torasemide prevented the rise in intracranial pressure seen in control animals. The ICP values for the
torasemide-treated animals were lower at all points. Following
intravenous injection of 100 mg
torasemide/kg
body weight at 50, 60, 70, 90 and 120 minutes a significant decrease of intracranial pressure compared to that in controls was observed.
Torasemide may be a useful adjunct in the
therapy of
brain edema and increased intracranial pressure.