In order to test the effect of hypothermia on mitochondrial function damage following cerebral ischaemia/reperfusion, Mongolian gerbils were submitted to 30 min bilateral carotid occlusion and 2 h of reperfusion at 37 degreesC or 30 degreesC. After normothermic (37 degreesC) ischaemia/reperfusion, significant decreases in mitochondrial state 3 (+ADP) oxygen consumption (-42.2%), complex II-III activity in synaptosomes (-31.7%) and complex IV were measured, in both free mitochondria and synaptosomes (-30.3% and -27. 8% respectively). However, following hypothermic (30 degreesC) reperfusion, both respiration rates and all enzyme activities remained at levels not significantly different from those in the sham operated controls.
Copyright 1999 Elsevier Science B.V.