Delayed Postischemic Hyperthermia in Awake Rats Worsens the Histopathological Outcome of Transient Focal Cerebral Ischemia

Abstract

The present findings provide evidence that, after a transient focal ischemic insult, the postischemic brain becomes abnormally sensitive to the effects of delayed temperature elevation, even of moderate degree. The threshold for aggravation of ischemic injury by delayed hyperthermia appears to be approximately 40 degrees C. Body-temperature measurements, in both awake and anesthetized animals, may not accurately reflect brain temperature under these conditions. The present study stresses that fever of even moderate degree in the days following brain ischemia may markedly exacerbate brain injury.