ARTCEREB irrigation and perfusion solution (Artcereb), an ethical pharmaceutical, is typically applied inside the skull and spinal cavity as artificial fluid. Artcereb is composed of glucose and electrolytes (Na+, K+, Mg2+, Ca2+, Cl-, HCO3- and P) and has a pH of 7.3. An in vitro assessment of the effects of Artcereb on cell culture of rat fetal astrocytes or rat fetal brain cells was performed in comparison with normal saline and lactated Ringer's solutions. Furthermore, the effects of Artcereb on cell culture of rat fetal brain cells were also assessed in comparison with Krebs bicarbonate solution. Cell function after exposure to Artcereb was assessed based on 3H-thymidine incorporation activity. Cell function after exposure to Artcereb and lactated Ringer's solution in primary cultures of rat fetal astrocytes remained unaffected when compared to that after exposure to normal saline. Cell function after exposure to Artcereb in a primary culture of rat brain cells remained unaffected as compared to that after exposure to normal saline and lactated Ringer's solution. However, function decreased after exposure to a modified Artcereb formulation lacking bicarbonate, thus confirming that the presence of bicarbonate is essential for the Artcereb formulation