Subjects: Biology >> Neurobiology Subjects: Medicine, Pharmacy >> Preclinical Medicine submitted time 2020-03-23
Abstract: In clinical practice, a patient is declared dead after 30 minutes of unsuccessful resuscitation post-cardiac arrest, as the brain is considered irreversibly damaged within minutes after cardiac arrest. A recent report showed that cellular function of the brain can be restored hours post-mortem in pigs. However, whether consciousness can be regained ex vivo is unknown. Herein, we developed normothermic machine perfusion (NMP) technology for ex vivo brain resuscitation after circulatory death. We found that perfusion of the brain alone was able to preserve circulation, cytoarchitecture, metabolic activity and brainstem function, but failed to regain consciousness. With supports of a functioning liver, global electrocorticographic activity and consciousness were restored. Brain function could be maintained for at least 22 hours. The technology was able to resuscitate consciousness of the brain suffering 50-min normothermic ischemia. These findings demonstrate that liver-assisting brain NMP can restore and maintain consciousness ex vivo after a prolonged interval post-mortem. " " " " " " " "
Peer Review Status:Awaiting Review