Swelling and death of neuronal cells by lactic acid.

Lactacidosis occurring in cerebral ischemia or trauma is a major mechanism of cytotoxic brain edema and brain damage. Respective effects of lactacidosis were currently analyzed in vitro by employment of the murine neuronal cell line, Neuro-2A, in order to obtain a better understanding of specific mechanisms underlying cell swelling and cell death in comparison with glial cells. The cells were suspended in a physiological medium in the presence of lactic acid at increasing concentrations. Levels of acidosis reaching from pH 6.8-5.6 were obtained while other parameters, such as osmolarity and electrolyte concentrations, were maintained in the physiological range. Assessment of cell swelling a…