METABOLISM OF ASPHYXIATED SPINAL CORD

Abstract

The oxygon consumptions of the caudal part of the normal and asphyxiated sliced spinal cord and of the optic nerve of cats were determined by means of respirometers. A gradient of O2 consumption was present in the region of the cord studied; the caudal part had the highest respiration rate. This gradient is the reverse of that found in the brain. Wallerian degeneration of the optic nerve and of the descending tracts in the spinal cord resulted in only a moderate depression of the O2 uptake. The destruction of the perikarya with secondary degeneration of the rest of the neurons, produced by 60 mins. of asphyxiation, decreased the O2 uptake. Immediately following 60 mins. of asphyxiation the metabolism of the cord was only slightly lower than normal. In the ensuing 12 to 48 hrs. the O2 uptake dropped to about half the value found in the unasphyxiated cord and remained at this level during the rest of the period of observation (2 wks.).