ISCHEMIA AND REPERFUSION INJURY - THE ULTIMATE PATHOPHYSIOLOGIC PARADOX

Predominant tissue damage in ischemia reperfusion injury occurs not du ring the period of hypoxia-ischemia, but rather after blood flow is re stored. At this stage, molecular oxygen is reintroduced to the tissues , generating cytotoxic oxygen-derived free radicals. Thus, although pr ompt restoration of blood flow is crucial if the tissue/organism is to survive an asphyxial insult, increased blood flow and high oxygen lev els are the major determinants of the damage invoked by hypoxia-ischem ia. This article presents a review of the pathophysiology of ischemia/ reperfusion injury, as well as a discussion of current and potentially new therapeutic options involving antioxidants, free-range scavengers , nitric oxide, NMDA blockers, magnesium, and others.