[The story of oxygen. (3)]

This last part of the oxygen story seems to stray from the line followed till now, and contradict itself, by electing ATP instead of oxygen as its protagonist. Yet, of course, this deviation is only apparent: in reality the hypoxanthine, which is at the basis of the production of superoxide, during the post-ischemic perfusion, is just a catabolic product of the intercellular reserves of ATP, pillaged by the ischemia itself. The attempts to resolve the ischemia and cellular anoxia through the supply, added to the volemic and respiratory reintegration, of performed packets of energy, such as ATP with MgCl2, FDP, etc., cannot be unimportant for traumatologist surgeon, accustomed to face the multiform physiopathologic facets of the shock. Although the flattering results tend to increase, some doubts remain about the effectiveness of such measures, especially ATP, and someone also suggests possible negative effects, partly framed in the well known and complex consequences of the "drug" on the cardiovascular dynamics, partly put forth by its not enough defined metabolic outline. Evidently, the way of the straight energetic supply, which, undoubtedly, represents the fulfillment of a "mirage" of release, at least partially, and in critical situations, from oxygen, although still long and burdened with problems, is also, decidedly, suggestive with promises. It seems surgeon, the true protagonist of such investigations, wants to seek a new dimension in them, being aware, and transplantations supplied an exemplary lesson in such sense, the biologic language is congenial to him, as it is high time.