Effects of sevoflurane on intracranial pressure, and the formation and absorption of cerebrospinal fluid in cats

Abstract

I examined the effects of sevoflurane on intracranial pressure (ICP), and the formation and absorption of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in cats. ICP significantly increased immediately after the administration of sevoflurane. The level was unchanged for the subsequent 120 minutes, but increased significantly 140 minutes after administration. Using the open ventriculocisternal perfusion method, the rate of CSF formation significantly decreased 30 minutes after administration. The increase in the rate of CSF absorption with increased ICP levels was greater in the N_2O group than in groups anesthetized with sevoflurane or enflurane. The delayed increase of ICP with sevoflurane may result in part from the cranial accumulation of CSF due to increased resistance to CSF absorption.