Title:Neuroprotection by Methylene Blue in Cerebral Global Ischemic Injury Induced Blood-Brain Barrier Disruption and Brain Pathology: A Review
Volume: 15
Issue: 9
Author(s): Lars Wiklund, Aruna Sharma and Hari Shanker Sharma
Affiliation:
Keywords:
Global ischemia, cardiac arrest, neuronal cell injury, glial cell activation, ubiquitin expression, methylene blue,
neuroprotection, blood-brain barrier.
Abstract: Transient global ischemic cerebral injury is a consequence of cardiac
arrest and accounts for approximately 450,000 annual deaths with a mortality of
approximately 90%. Serious morbidity follows for many of the survivors and up to
16% of patients achieving restoration of spontaneous circulation develop brain
death. Other survivors are left with persistent cognitive impairment such as memory
and sensimotor deficits, reducing quality of life and resulting in heavy costs on
society. Many studies over the years have been devoted to improving outcome after
cardiac arrest and have, to a certain degree succeeded, especially locally in areas
where improvement of ambulance organizations have been effective. In spite of this
serious problems remain and the chances of cerebral survival need to increase if
over-all results, i.e. survival as well as cognitive function, are to improve. Methylene blue, a textile dye
synthesized in the late 19th century has also been used in medicine for different purposes. One of its
effects is to increase systemic blood pressure, but other effects have been documented, among which are
its neuroprotective effects well-noted during the last few years. In this review we have appraised these
findings in relation to global ischemic injury.
