Effects of focal mild hypothermia on thrombin-induced brain edema formation and the expression of protease activated receptor-1, matrix metalloproteinase-9 and aquaporin 4 in rats.

Hypothermia is an effective neuroprotective treatment for brain injury caused by intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). It is reported to reduce brain edema and neuronal cell death. Thrombin, a coagulation protease released from blood clots, is critical in brain edema formation following ICH.