A new mapping study of superoxide free radicals, vascular permeability and energy metabolism in central nervous system.

To study the role of free radicals in various pathophysiologies in the central nervous system (CNS), we have introduced a new simultaneous mapping technique of superoxide free radicals, vascular permeability and energy metabolism. The detection of superoxide anion in the CNS is based on the 380 nm chemiluminescence of 2-methyl-6-phenyl-3,7-dihydroimidazo [1,2-alpyrazin-3-one(CLA-phenyl)] upon reaction with superoxide in the frozen tissue section. The results show topographical relationships between activation of superoxide free radicals, increased vascular permeability, and changes of hydrogen transport system in the energy metabolism (Fig. 2). Prolonged formation of superoxide free radicals in the white matter without vasogenic oedema and necrotic tissue are interesting as a mechanism of progression of secondary tissue damage in ischaemic insults.