Abstract

Traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage (TSAH) related to alcoholism is a notable risk factor. Thromboxane A-2 (TXA-2) and its receptors-thromboxane A-2 receptor (TXA2R) of rat models were detected to further explore the death mechanisms. Seventy male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into acute alcoholic intoxication and chronic alcoholism groups. Rat models had been established as previously study described. Compared with acute alcoholic rats, the chronic alcoholic rats showed significant changes: 1) higher morbidity and mortality from TSAH; 2) abnormal changes of ECG; 3) higher concentration of TXA-2 in plasma; 4) Over expression of TXA2R in brain tissue. It can be concluded that chronic alcoholism could cause increasing contents of TXA-2 in blood and expression of TXA2R in brain. After TSAH, they combine quickly in brain tissues, and excite vagal activity and inhibit cardiac function. The brain-heart connection may be one of the important mechanisms for the chronic alcoholism death from TSAH.