Effect of sexual maturity, adrenalectomy, and castration on experimental cerebral ischemia due to carotid ligation

Abstract

✓ Experiments were carried out in young and mature rats to assess the effect of adrenalectomy and/or castration on cerebral ischemia due to carotid ligation, with particular reference to age and sexual maturity. The results indicate that gonadectomy after sexual maturity has no effect on the end result of brain ischemia, whereas resection of the gonads prior to sexual maturity results in a significant number of microscopic ischemic brain lesions. Adrenal resections in mature animals with or without removal of gonads is accompanied by a significant increase in mortality and morbidity, but the mortality is greater when adrenals are removed prior to sexual maturity, particularly when combined with gonadectomy. It appears that the impact of brain ischemia is significantly influenced by hormonal functions of the gonads and adrenals, presumably due to their effect on cerebral blood flow.