INHIBITION OF GLUTAMATE RELEASE - A POSSIBLE MECHANISM OF HYPOTHERMIC NEUROPROTECTION

The neuroprotective properties of hypothermia are well recognized. For many years, the ability of hypothermia to decrease the neurologic morbidity associated with episodes of ischemia has been ascribed to the reduction in metabolic rate that accompanies decreases in temperature. More recently, evidence has accumulated that hypothermia may exert some of its neuroprotective effects by reducing the ischemia-induced release of excitatory amino acids. This attenuated release occurs even with the mild degrees of hypothermia that can easily be produced in operating rooms and intensive care units. Preliminary data suggest that mild hypothermia may be of benefit in surgical patients at risk for intraoperative cerebral ischemia and patients who have suffered traumatic brain injury. Because of the minimal risk associated with lowering body temperature to 34-degrees-C, additional outcome studies are in progress to ascertain the potential benefits of this mode of therapy.