Effect of complement C1-esterase inhibitor on brain edema and inflammation after mild traumatic brain injury in an animal model.

Objective: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is characterized by damage to the blood-brain barrier, inflammation, and edema formation. In this pilot study, we aimed to investigate the effects of a complement inhibitor, C1-esterase inhibitor (C1 INH), on brain edema and inflammation in a rat model of mild TBI.

Methods: Thirty-six male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly assigned to control, TBI, or TBI plus C1 INH groups.