Profound Hypothermia Protects Neurons and Astrocytes, and Preserves Cognitive Functions in a Swine Model of Lethal Hemorrhage1

Profound hypothermia can preserve viability of neurons and astrocytes during prolonged periods of cerebral hypoxia. This approach is associated with excellent cognitive and neurological outcome following severe shock. Circulating markers of central nervous system injury did not correlate with the actual degree of brain damage in this model.