EFFECT OF HYPOGLYCEMIA AND ANOXIA ON THE SURVIVAL PERIOD OF INFANT AND ADULT RATS AND CATS

Abstract

Infant rats survive hypoglycemia longer than adults, due to the greater ability to maintain the function of the brain during hypoglycemia as a result of lower cerebral metabolic requirements. The survival period of the anoxic infant rat, but not of the anoxic adult, is prolonged by hyperglycemia. The adult cannot obtain sufficient energy from glycolysis to sustain the higher rate of cerebral metabolism. Hypoglycemia, however, shortens the survival period of anoxia for both infant and adult rats. The fasted rat, in contrast with the fed one, suffers a fall in blood sugar while exposed to anoxia. The higher level of blood sugar in the fed adult rat, however, does not prolong the survival period of anoxia. The dose of insulin producing death in rats and cats is approx. the same. The cat has a longer survival period of hypoglycemia than the rat but is more likely to exhibit neurological residua after recovery from hypoglycemia.