OBJECTIVE

Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) is used for treatment of immunodeficiencies and autoimmune disorders. Recently, IVIG has also been shown to reduce infarct size in acute stroke. Since edema treatment can provide secondary neuroprotective effects, we conducted the present study to evaluate whether edema reduction is the underlying cause of the neuroprotective properties of IVIG in experimental stroke.

METHODS

Male Wistar rats received either IVIG or placebo and were subjected to temporary middle cerebral artery occlusion. 24 h after temporary middle cerebral artery occlusion, clinical evaluation and 7.0T magnetic resonance imaging were performed. Ischemic lesion volume was determined on high-resolution T(2) images. T(2) relaxation time and midline shift assessed on magnetic resonance imaging as well as brain water content detected by the wet/dry method after 24 h were measured to quantify edema formation.

RESULTS

Pretreatment with IVIG leads to a statistically significant reduction of the ischemic lesion volume by 42% after 24 h, as compared to placebo treatment (p < 0.05). All three methods for quantifying edema formation indicated no differences between IVIG-treated and untreated animals (p>> 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that the neuroprotective effect of IVIG is not an indirect result of edema reduction, but is caused by direct neuronal protection. Application of IVIG is a promising treatment concept for acute stroke. To further investigate this neuroprotective effect, studies on the efficacy, the safety profile and on the underlying mechanisms are required.