EFFECT OF VITAMIN-C IN MODULATING THE HYPOTHERMIC INFLUENCE ON NERVE-CONDUCTION

The study was carried out to evaluate the effect of different degrees of hypothermia on nerve conduction and the possible beneficial effect of vitamin C in the amelioration of the impairment in nerve conduction due to hypothermia. Sixty male Wistar rats, 225-250 g, were randomly divided into two equal groups of untreated controls and vitamin C trea ted experimental groups. Sciatic nerve conduction and nerve temperatur e (T-n) were recorded at different degrees of hypothermia by step-wise lowering of rectal temperature (T-r) from 38 to 20 degrees C. A regre ssion analysis showed a positive linear relationship of T-r with nerve conduction velocity (NCV) and with T-n in both groups (p<0.001). Ther e was also a positive linear relationship between T-n and NCV in both groups: control, p<0.001; experimental, p<0.05. Comparisons between th e regression equations of T-r with NCV, T-r with T-n, and T-n with NCV showed significant differences between the two groups (p<0.001). Ther e was no significant relationship between T,and the amplitude of the a ction potential. Vitamin C may have a protective effect against the im pairment of NCV due to hypothermia.