Central nervous tissue damage after hypoxia and reperfusion in conjunction with cardiac arrest and cardiopulmonary resuscitation: mechanisms of action and possibilities for mitigation

Abstract

Only approximately 10% of patients encountering a cardiac arrest (CA) and subsequent cardiopulmonary resuscitation survive to a meaningful life. One of the most important causes for this low survival rate is the ischemia-reperfusion injury that hits the brain. This review summarizes some of the more important mechanisms causing cerebral injury. Thus, we describe some of our findings when performing genome-wide transcriptional profiling as well as histological and immunohistological staining of cerebral cortical areas. In order to shed some light on therapeutic opportunities, our findings relating to the use of induced mild hypothermia and methylene blue as neuroprotective agents are reviewed. Furthermore, we would like to share some interesting data on gender differences and effects of estrogen on the ensuing cerebral injury occurring after hypovolemic CA.