Effects of Intracortical Injection of Blood and Blood Components on the Electrocorticogram

Abstract
Long term effects of the intracortical implantation of blood and blood products on the electrocorticogram were studied in cats and guinea pigs. Focal epileptiform paroxysmal discharges developed after implantation of whole blood, hemolyzed erythrocytes, methemoglobin, ferritin, FeCl3, FeCl2, fibrinogen, hemin and cottonoid. In each group recurrent paroxysmal discharges became more prominent and more frequent after several months, suggesting a physiological change caused by a breakdown product of blood. The lesions were characterized by varying degrees of cell loss, Fe deposition and glial proliferation . Posttraumatic epilepsy, which is frequently accompanied by extravasation of blood into the brain, may share a similar physiopathogenesis.