The effects of brain temperature on temporary global ischaemia in rat brain. A 31-phosphorous NMR spectroscopy study

31-Phosphorus magnetic resonance spectroscopy was used in a rat model of 10 min severe incomplete forebrain ischaemia (2-vessel occlusion with hypotension) to assess the effect of mild brain hypo- and hyperthermia (+/- 2 degrees C) on intracellular pH and high energy phosphates. In three experimental groups intracerebral temperature was maintained at levels of 34, 36 and 38 degrees C during ischaemia and early reperfusion. The steady level of intracellular pH during ischaemia was 6.63, 6.58 and 6.53 in the 34, 36, and 38 degrees C groups, respectively. The rate of initial recovery of intracellular pH in reperfusion was 0.046 +/- 0.012 pH units per min (+/- s.d.) in the 36 degrees C group compared to 0.056 +/- 0.010 (+/- s.d., P less than 0.05) in the 34 degrees C group and 0.032 +/- 0.009 (+/- s.d., P less than 0.01) in the 38 degrees C group. The recovery in early reperfusion of phosphocreatine and ATP was slower in the 38 degrees C group compared to the other groups. The findings were consistent with recent studies, suggesting that even mild hypothermia may afford protection to the ischaemic brain, and furthermore indicate that mild hyperthermia as fever or even subfebricity may be deleterious for the outcome in stroke patients.