Abstract

Brain edema and increased intracranial pressure (ICP) are among the main causes of neurological disturbance and mortality following traumatic brain injury (TBI). Since pregabalin neuroprotective effects have been shown, this study was performed to evaluate the possible neuroprotective effects of pregabalin in experimental TBI of male rats. Adult male Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups: sham, vehicle, pregabalin 30mg/kg and pregabalin 60mg/kg. TBI was induced in vehicle and pregabalin groups by Marmarou method. Pregabalin was administered 30min after TBI. Sham and vehicle groups received saline. Brain water and Evans blue content and histopathological changes were evaluated 24, 5 and 24h after TBI, respectively. The ICP and neurological outcomes (veterinary coma scale, VCS) were recorded before, 1h and 24h post TBI. The results showed a significant reduction in brain water content and ICP, and a significant increase in VCS of pregabalin group (60mg/kg) as compared to vehicle group (P<0.05). Also, pregabalin reduced brain edema and apoptosis score as compared to vehicle group. Post TBI pregabalin administration revealed a delayed but significant improvement in ICP and neurological outcomes in experimental TBI. The underlying mechanism(s) was not determined and needs further investigation.