The Effect of Nebivolol on Subarachnoid Hemorrhage-induced Vasospasm in the Rabbit

Objective:This study aimed to investigate the vasorelaxation effect of nebivolol on vasospasm in the rabbit model of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH).Method:Single-hemorrhage model in the rabbit SAH was employed. SAH was induced in animals by cisterna manga injection of 4 mL autologous blood. Thirty-two animals were categorized into four groups: 1) control group (no SAH), 2) SAH group, 3) SAH + solvent infused group and 4) SAH + nebivolol treatment group. Forty-eight hours after SAH-induction, rabbits in group 3 and in 4 were received solvent or nebivolol, respectively. Nebivolol (0.073 mg/kg) was administered via the vertebral artery in 5 minutes. Digital subtraction angiography was performed at forty-nine hour following SAH-induced groups. The diameters of basilar arteries in four groups were measured at three points, and the average of the measurements was accepted as a consecutive result.Results:SAH-induced rats demonstrated severe vasospasm on day 2. Angiographic vasospasm was present in group 2 (SAH only), and in 3 (SAH plus solvent). Animals in group 4 (SAH plus nebivolol) and group 1 (control), respectively, demonstrated the largest diameters of basilar arteries. Animals treated with nebivolol has reached eighty-eight percent of the value in the control group 1. There was no statistical difference between the control group and SAH plus nebivolol treatment group (p>0.05). However, the difference was obtained between the groups SAH plus solvent and SAH plus nebivolol treatment (p<0.01).Conclusion:Vasospasm of the rat basilar arteries were significantly reversed by delivery of nebivolol directly into the constricted basilar artery. That drug used in cardiovascular disease may serve as a new treatment in the management of SAH patients