Open AccessCombined Magnesium/Polyethylene Glycol Facilitates the Neuroprotective Effects of Magnesium in Traumatic Brain Injury at a Reduced Magnesium Dose
Author(s) -
Busingye Diana S.,
Turner Renée J.,
Vink Robert
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
cns neuroscience and therapeutics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.403
H-Index - 69
eISSN - 1755-5949
pISSN - 1755-5930
DOI - 10.1111/cns.12591
Subject(s) - magnesium , neuroprotection , traumatic brain injury , polyethylene glycol , medicine , anesthesia , pharmacology , chemistry , materials science , biochemistry , psychiatry , metallurgy
Summary Aims While a number of studies have shown that free magnesium (Mg) decline is a feature of traumatic brain injury ( TBI ), poor central penetration of Mg has potentially limited clinical translation. This study examines whether polyethylene glycol ( PEG ) facilitates central penetration of Mg after TBI , increasing neuroprotection while simultaneously reducing the dose requirements for Mg. Methods Rats were exposed to diffuse TBI and administered intravenous MgCl 2 either alone (254 μ mol/kg or 25.4 μ mol/kg) or in combination with PEG (1 g/kg PEG ) at 30‐min postinjury. Vehicle‐treated (saline or PEG ) and sham animals served as controls. All animals were subsequently assessed for blood‐brain barrier permeability and edema at 5 h, and functional outcome for 1 week postinjury. Results Optimal dose (254 μ mol/kg) MgCl 2 or Mg PEG significantly improved all outcome parameters compared to vehicle or PEG controls. Intravenous administration of 10% MgCl 2 alone (25.4 μ mol/kg) had no beneficial effect on any of the outcome parameters, whereas 10% Mg in PEG had the same beneficial effects as optimal dose Mg administration. Conclusion Polyethylene glycol facilitates central penetration of Mg following TBI , reducing the concentration of Mg required to confer neuroprotection while simultaneously reducing the risks associated with high peripheral Mg concentration.