Effects of anoxia on cerebral metabolism and electrolytes in man

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Internal jugular blood gases and electrolytes were continuously recorded in 19 patients and correlated with electroencephalograms made during acute anoxemia induced by nitrogen inhalation. Acute anoxemia produced statistically significant decreases in oxygen and carbon dioxide tension but an increase in pH of the cerebral venous blood. Lowered oxygen tension of cerebral blood has a direct vasodilator effect on cerebral arterioles of man, independent of any changes in cerebral blood pCO2 or pH. When cerebral venous oxygen tension fell below 18.95 [plus or minus] 2.55 mm. Hg, electroencephalographic slowing regularly appeared regardless of other variables. A decrease in sodium and an increase in potassium ionic activity of the cerebral venous blood were observed in acute anoxemia, independent of arterial changes in these ions. These changes were statistically significant. It was concluded that during temporary anoxia, the brain gains sodium and loses potassium while the reverse occurs during recovery from anoxia and return of cerebral function. Ionic homeostasis and electric activity of the human brain appear to be dependent on oxidative metabolsim.

This publication has 0 references indexed in Scilit: