TIME-COURSE OF ANOXIA-INDUCED INCREASE IN CEREBRAL BLOOD-FLOW RATE INTURTLES - EVIDENCE FOR A ROLE OF ADENOSINE

The exceptional ability of the turtle brain to survive prolonged anoxi a makes it a unique model for studying anoxic survival mechanisms. We have used epiillumination microscopy to record blood flow rate in venu les on the cortical surface of turtles (Trachemys scripta). During ano xia, blood flow rate increased 1.7 times after 45-75 min, whereupon it fell back, reaching preanoxic values after 115 min of anoxia. Topical superfusion with adenosine (50 mu M) during normoxia caused a 3.8-fol d increase in flow rate. Superfusing the brain with the adenosine rece ptor blocker aminophylline (250 mu M) totally inhibited the effects of both adenosine and anoxia, while aminophylline had no effect on normo xic flow rate. None of the treatments affected systemic blood pressure . These results indicate an initial adenosine-mediated increase in cer ebral blood flow rate during anoxia, probably representing an emergenc y response before deep metabolic depression sets in.