Summary
The author used the scanning electron microscope (SEM) to study the influence of urokinase on subarachnoid fibrosis after experimental subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH). In the subchronic group of dogs, which were sacrificed three weeks after SAH, an average of 45–50 IU/kg of intrathecal urokinase diminished the fibrosis. In the chronic group, which was sacrificed three months after SAH, an average of 250 IU/kg of intrathecal urokinase also had considerable reducing effect.
The author supposes that fibrinolytic therapy, with lysis of blood clot, contributes to clearance of the blood. We contrast this mechanism with the mechanism and effect of antifibrinolytic therapy.
This experiment is the first successful attempt to influence subarachnoid fibrosis, and also the first experiment in which subarachnoid fibrosis could to some extent be prevented.
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This work was supported by the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science.
Visiting Research Associate from National Institute of Neurosurgery, Budapest, Hungary.
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Julow, J. Prevention of subarachnoid fibrosis after subarachnoid haemorrhage with urokinase. Acta neurochir 51, 53–61 (1979). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01401794
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01401794