ANAEROBIC SURVIVAL OF ADULT ANIMALS

Abstract

A study was made in order to evaluate the significance of the anaerobic development of energy from the cleavage of carbohydrate for the maintenance of cerebral function. In dogs anesthetized with pentobarbital and respiring 8% oxygen in nitrogen the cerebral arterio-venous oxygen differences decrease indicating an inadequate supply of oxygen to the brain. Lactic acid accumulates in the brain of cats anesthetized with pentobarbital and subjected to the respiration of 8% oxygen, as the cleavage of carbohydrate affords energy for the maintenance of cerebral functions during anoxia. The inj. of iodoacetate, 32 mg./kg, which inhibits the cleavage of carbohydrate shortens the survival periods of dogs anesthetized with pentobarbital and respiring 8% oxygen. It may, therefore, be concluded that during a period of partial anaerobiosis the brain of the adult dog or cat obtains some of the energy required for its maintenance by the anaerobic splitting of carbohydrate and the formation of lactic acid. It should be pointed out however that the ability of the adult to withstand anoxia is much more limited than the infant.