Effect of Steroids on the Resolution Process of Edema

The mechanism of the action of steroids on brain edema is not fully understood despite its long history. Recently it has been reported that the beneficial effect of steroids might be attributed to inhibition of edema spread or acceleration of edema resorption (Matsuoka, Hossmann 1981; Hossmann et al. 1983; Fenstermacher et al. 1984; Hartmann et al. 1984). Almost all experimental models of edema must involve the formation process and the resolution process of edema which can not be separated from each other experimentally. Using the direct infusion model of edema, the only model in which one can separate these two processes, the question of whether the effect of steroids is exerted on the resolution process was investigated.