Radiation induced brain edema in primates, studied with sequential brain cat scanning and histopathology. Protective effect of sodium meclofenamate. A preliminary report.

Four Cynomologous monkeys (Mecaca fascicularis) received 2000 Rad whole brain irradiation. One remained untreated and exhibited loss of hair, facial edema, brain edema and hydrocephalus. There was loss of alertness and motor activity. One was scheduled to be treated with phenobarbital, but died in 24 hours after irradiation. One animal received 2 mg/kg dexamethasone I.M. daily. It died two weeks after irradiation apparently due to treatment related infection. One animal received 20 mg/kg sodium meclofenamate (Meclomen) orally daily. This animal showed no brain edema and only minimal hydrocephalus, delayed and incomplete hair loss and no facial edema. Further studies of this treatment appear to be justified.