Mild hypothermia and Mg++ protect against irreversible damage during CNS ischemia.
Spinal cord ischemia was produced in rabbits by temporary occlusion of the abdominal aorta just distal to the renal arteries; and recovery, or failure to recover, was assessed by examining the rabbits for permanent loss of sensory and motor function in the hind limbs. A temperature reduction of 3 degrees C during the period of circulatory impairment caused a doubling of the duration of ischemia that could be reversibly sustained. Intravenous administration of 5 mmoles/kg of MgCl2 before the ischemia (a dose sufficient to produce neuromuscular blockade) caused a 50% increase in the tolerable duration. The combination of the 3 degrees C reduction in temperature and the elevated Mg++ increased by about 3 fold the duration of ischemia that could be sustained before irreversible damage occurred. These results may have implications for the care of patients subjected to marginal degrees of CNS ischemia.
D000818:Animals; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D007036:Hypothermia, Induced; D007511:Ischemia / Q000628:therapy*; D008274:Magnesium / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015636:Magnesium Chloride; D011817:Rabbits; D013116:Spinal Cord / Q000098:blood supply*; D013997:Time Factors
D015636:Magnesium Chloride; D008274:Magnesium