Problems associated with Studies of Electrolyte Metabolism in Normal and Epileptogenic Cerebral Cortex

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
SUMMARY: The general problems associated with investigations of fluid and electrolyte distribution and compartmentation in cerebral tissues have been discussed. Three specific aspects have been emphasized: (1) the variation of cortical fluid spaces in vivo as a function of species brain size; (2) the artifacts which may be introduced during preparation of samples for electron microscopy and hence may influence morphological interpretations of cortical fluid compartmentation; (3) the complexity and dynamic nature of fluid compartmentation in cortical samples incubated in vitro. The importance of these aspects as factors contributing to current confusion in the field and their relevance to epileptogenic mechanisms are briefly considered.RÉASUMÉA: Les probleGmes geAneAraux associeAs aux recherches sur la distribution et le ‘compartimentage’ des liquides et eAlectrolytes dans les tissus ceAreAbraux sont discuteAs. Trois aspects speAcifiques sont mis en relief: (1) la variation des espaces liquidiens corticaux in vivo en fonction du volume du cerveau de l'espeGce consideAreAe; (2) les arteAfacts qui peuvent eCtre introduits pendant la preAparation des eAchantillons pour la microscopie eAlectronique et qui peuvent influencer les interpreAtations morphologiques du ‘compartimentage’ liquidien cortical; (3) la complexiteA et la nature dynamique du ‘compartimentage’ liquidien dans les eAchantillons corticaux incubeAs in vitro.L'importance de ces aspects en tant que facteurs contribuant aG la confusion des esprits dans ce domaine et leur rapport avec les meAcanismes eApileptogeGnes sont brieGvement envisageAs.