title: ATP-MgCl2 utilization for spinal cord protection during experimental thoracic aortic occlusion.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In this experimental study we investigate the effect of intravenous ATP-MgCl**2 administration for prevention of spinal cord injury occurring due to ischemia induced by aortic cross clamping.
  
  
  METHODS
  Ten rabbits were studied. The abdominal aorta is ligated below the left renal artery. Five rabbits served as a control group and received no medication during 30 minutes of ischemic period. The other 5 rabbits received during 30 minutes of aortic occlusion ATP-MgCl2 solution (100 micromol/ml for each). Distal and proximal aortic pressures are measured during the procedure and incisions are closed. Rabbits are observed for 24 hours for their neurological status and scored accordingly. Specimens from the spinal cord are taken for electron microscopic investigations.
  
  
  RESULTS
  All of the control group rabbits were paraplegic. One of the ATP-MgCl2 group rabbits was paraparesic and the others were normal Distal aortic pressure was 9+/-3 mmHg for the control group and was 17+/-4 mmHg for the ATP-MgCl2 group (p<0.05). Electron microscopic studies showed the preserved ultrastructure for ATP-MgCl2 group.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  ATP-MgCl2 administration during spinal cord ischemia reduces spinal cord injury. This may be an alternative modality for the protection of the spinal cord during aortic surgery.
authors.affiliation: Türkiye Yüksek Ihtisas Hospital, Cardiovascular Surgery Clinic, Ankara, Turkey.
authors.forename: A T
authors.initials: AT
authors.lastname: Ulus
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Saritas
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Yamak
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Sürücü
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Tuncer
authors.forename: S F
authors.initials: SF
authors.lastname: Katircioglu
mesh_terms: D000255:Adenosine Triphosphate / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000818:Animals; D001013:Aorta, Thoracic / Q000601:surgery*; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D007511:Ischemia / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008026:Ligation; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D009460:Neurologic Examination / Q000187:drug effects; D011817:Rabbits; D013116:Spinal Cord / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000473:pathology
chemical_list: D000255:Adenosine Triphosphate