The functional activity, energetics and survival of the heart under hypothermia

Adequate blood supply to tissue, which is the most important prerequisite for survival of the organisms when put under hypothermal conditions and taken out of these conditions depends, above all, on the cardial function. Detailed exploration of the automatic reactions, response to stimulation, conductivity and systole of hypothermal cardium using a cardio-pulmonary preparation has been reported by V. M. Pokrovski? and co-authors. As far as we are informed, this monographic volume is the only available review of developments in the last decades in studies of cardium under hypothermal conditions. In this article we shall touch upon the issues not covered by the above monograph including energy status of hypothermal cardium and the issues important the physiological and medical perspectives: cardium functional status in situ under accidental hypothermal conditions (hypothermal freezing), and maintaining functionality of cardium after its stoppage in hypothermal conditions.