Changes in Piglet Auditory Brainstem Response Amplitudes without Increases in Serum or Cerebrospinal Fluid Neuron-Specific Enolase

Abstract

ABSTRACT. We studied the relationship between changes in auditory brainstem responses (ABR) and serum and cerebrospinal fluid levels of neuron-specific enolase (NSE) in hyperbilirubinemic 2-to 8-d-old piglets. Infusion of a stabilized solution of bilirubin resulted in serum bilirubin levels of 571.1 f 48.8 pmol/L (mean + SEM) after 6 h.ABR were obtained at baseline and then hourly until the piglets were killed. We measured peak amplitudes and latencies for waves I-V, as well as latency for the post-V trough. Changes in amplitudes and latencies were analyzed as slopes because of heterogeneous variances. Over time, a significant reduction was observed in peak 11-V amplitudes of bilirubin-infused piglets, but not in those of corresponding controls. No change was observed in latencies. NSE was analyzed by RIA. Serum NSE remained stable throughout the experiment (means 5.1-6.6 &L) and did not differ between the groups. Cerebrospinal fluid NSE values also remained stable, and no differences that could be ascribed to hyperbilirubinemia were detected. We conclude that hyperbilirubinemia induced significant changes in piglet ABR amplitudes without concomitant evidence of severe neuronal compromise, as might have been indicated by significant increases in serum and/or cerebrospinal fluid NSE levels. This provides further support to the clinical impression that early ABR changes during hyperbilirubinemia may be reversible. (Pediatr Res 32: 524-529, 1992)

Neuron-Specific Enolase, but Not S100B or Myelin Basic Protein, Increases in Peripheral Blood Corresponding to Lesion Volume after Cortical Impact in Piglets

“…Assays employing antibodies generated against human NSE are successfully used to determine serum concentrations of NSE in rodents and piglets. [23][24][25] Recently, in a model of cardiac arrest in piglets, NSE was measured using antibodies generated against porcine NSE, resulting in concentrations of NSE similar to the values reported here. 26 The S100B ELISA used murine monoclonal and polyclonal rabbit antibodies raised against the whole human S100 bb protein, and had a detection limit of 0.01 ng/ mL.…”

Visual Evoked Potential Abnormalities in Jaundiced Gunn Rats Treated with Sulfadimethoxine

“…The effect of SDM on wave b latency of the ERG in jj rats may be a secondary effect on glial cells in the retina, because wave b is thought to be generated by such cells (18,19), and bilirubin has been shown to affect glial cells as well as neurons (16,20). In a study in hyperbilirubinemic piglets, to which sulfisoxasole was injected, changes were observed in auditory brainstem-evoked responses without affecting serum or cerebrospinal fluid levels of neuron-specific enolase (21). This was interpreted as indicating that overt neuronal damage was not induced over the 6-h period of the experiment.…”

Reversibility of acute intermediate phase bilirubin encephalopathy

“…Experimental studies have shown that some bilirubin effects on the brain and neurons may be reversible (8,9). In recent litigation involving cases of kernicterus, two important questions have been raised by lawyers for the plaintiffs (personal experience): (i) How rapid a response can be expected with emergency treatment of extreme jaundice?…”