Synergism of isothermal regimen and sodium succinate in experimental therapy of barbiturate coma

Abstract

In rats with experimental thiopental coma rectal temperature decreased by 9.4°C, oxygen consumption 5-fold, and arteriovenous Po₂ gradient decreased 2-fold within 3 h; CO₂ accumulated in the blood and mixed type acidosis developed. Administration of sodium succinate under these conditions increased arteriovenous Po₂ gradient and reduced manifestations of metabolic acidosis. Maintenance of normal body temperature (warming) corrected primarily manifestations of respiratory acidosis. Each therapeutic agent reduced inhibition of O₂ consumption by 1/4; animal survival tended to increase from 42 to 50%. Combined use of these treatments potentiated the antiacidotic effect and increased survival to 92%. The authors conclude that hypothermia inhibits the therapeutic effect of succinate in barbiturate coma.