SERUM ENZYME LEVELS DURING EXPERIMENTAL HYPOTHERMIA IN MAN

Abstract

Deep surgical and accidental hypothermia cause elevations in serum enzyme levels, probably because of ultrastructural cell damage. Many variables hinder work on this problem in the clinical situation and the mechanism is obscure. Accordingly, enzymes and other physiological parameters were monitored in four subjects cooled four times, under controlled conditions in the labotarory, to a mean auditory canal temperature of 35·0°C. Mild hypovolaemia and acidosis occurred. Serum enzyme levels did not change significantly and it is concluded that elevations due to hypothermia cannot be studied in laboratory experiments on heathly volunteers who can only safely be cooled to 35°C. © 1978 The Physiological Society