Secondary mediator compounds are postulated to have a role in vasogenic oedematogenesis. They may also cause focal brain dysfunction due to their neuronal, axonal and glial modulating properties. Using the feline model of infusion brain oedema the effects of right frontal intracerebral infusion (200 microliters/hr for 3 hrs) of saline, bradykinin (10(-4) to 10(-6) M), arachidonic acid (10(-2) to 10(-3) M), 20% protein and four human glioma cyst fluids were evaluated. Somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEP), motor evoked potentials (MEPs), rCBF and rCBF CO2 reactivity (Hydrogen clearance). ICP, craniospinal compliance, local brain tissue water content (microgravimety), brain histology and BBB function (Evans Blue 2%) were measured. Brain water content increased locally from 69% to 79%, ICP increased (by mean 14 mmHg) and compliance decreased (mean 70%) and there were the histological features of brain oedema with all infusates. BBB opening occurred with Bradykinin (+), arachidonic acid (++), 20% protein ( ) and glioma cyst fluid (4+). Polymorphic and macrophage infiltrates were seen with all infusions but rCBF and MEPs remained normal. SSEPs changed with high dose bradykinin and some glioma cyst infusates whilst CBF CO2 reactivity was locally impaired by all infusates except saline and arachidonic acid. This study suggests that certain compounds in brain oedema fluid could mediate local brain dysfunction.