A rat head-perfusion technique developed for the study of brain uptake of materials.

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Abstract
Validation and observations on a rat head-perfusion technique in situ are described. The method involves perfusion through the aortic arch at a set pulsatile pressure and collection of the outflow from the 2 superior vena cavae at the inferior vena cava. Flow through the heart and forelimbs and azygous return is prevented. The 15% hematocrit perfusion fluid is recirculated through a pump-oxygenator system. No period of brain ischemia or hypoxia is necessary. Using criteria of viability such as normal respiratory efforts, pupillary response to light, degree of pupillary constriction, and corneal blink response, brain survival is assessed. One hundred and thirty perfusions were accomplished for up to 3 hr. Eeg and brain histology are essentially normal. Brain vascular volumes, calculated from T-1824 distribution volumes, are 0.039 and 0.035 ml/g tissue in perfused and intact rats, respectively. The relationship of flow to various acid-base conditions is described. CO2 capacity of the brain in the perfused head remains normal. This perfusion is particularly useful for brain transport studies where brain concentrations are of primary importance.