[Studies on the relationship of maturity to the tolerance of ischemia]

In newborn rabbits during asphyxia caused by ligature of the trachea circulation was maintained 2-3 times as long as in adult rabbits because in contrast to the adults myocardial energy loss in asphyxia is rather low caused by a small energy consumption for circulatory work. In the cerebral cortex of newborn rabbits glycolysis is able to meet a good part of energy demand, with the energetic situation predominantly depending on glucose supply by maintenance of circulation. Thus in addition sufficient blood glucose levels deliberated from glycogen stores in liver and lung are an important factor for the central nervous revivability. Kidney and skeletal muscle tolerate anaerobic periods for rather long time because of their high glycogen stores and low metabolic activity but do not contribute to glucose supply of other tissues.