Effect of phenytoin on cortical Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase activity in global ischemic rat brain.

Na(+)K(+)-ATPase activity, water content, and Na+/K+ concentrations in the parietal cortex were measured in untreated and phenytoin-treated rats following global cerebral ischemia. Inhibitory effects of phenytoin treatment on brain edema and changes in Na(+)-K+ concentration with ischemia or ischemia followed by recirculation of varying intervals were assessed. The cortical Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase activity increased in the phenytoin-treated group during and after ischemia. Based on these results, we conclude that phenytoin provides ischemic brain protection by activating cortical Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase activity and by reducing intracellular Na+ and water content.