RELATION OF AIR EXPOSURE OF CORTEX TO SPREADING DEPRESSION OF LEAO

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Abstract
It has been previously shown for the cat and monkey that spreading cortical depression can rarely be elicited by electrical or mechanical stimulation if the cortex is maintained in a physiol. condition. These expts. demonstrate the gradual development of the conditions necessary for spreading cortical depression when the cortex (monkey) is exposed to room air. Within minutes after exposure the cortex becomes visibly hyperemic and within a few mm. of the stimulating electrode a slow, large negative (20 mv.) swing enduring 1-2 min. immediately succeeds an electrical stimulation (50 cycles/sec., for 5 sec.). As this surface negative potential swings back, rebound occurs so that for about 1 min. the surface potential is positive to the control value. During this phase convulsoid type brain waves occur. After an exposure of 1-2 hrs. the convulsoid type waves no longer occur, and the slow voltage swing decreases in amplitude and develops progressively later. This picture gradually assumes the character of typical spreading depressions which cross sulci after 10-15 hrs. exposure to room air. The authors speculate that spreading cortical depression is a phenomenon which is correlated with impairment of the pia arachnoid mechanisms.

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