Modification of Burn Shock Mortality in Mice by an Oxidizing and a Reducing Agent

Abstract

Summary

A reducing agent, cysteine, or an oxidizing agent, 2-methyl-1,4-naphtha-quinol bis (disodium phosphate) (MNDP), was given to mice subjected to burn shock by scalding, to test the theory that metabolic modification of tissue redox states should affect the response to hypoxic injury. Cysteine increased mortality in burned mice when given before or after thermal injury. MNDP decreased mortality when administered before, but not after burning. The toxicity of cysteine was reduced significantly by administration of saline. This effect is presumably attributable to improved tissue perfusion and oxygenation. These preliminary results suggest that the administration of oxidizing or reducing agents can influence shock mortality after thermal injury, and that metabolic modification of tissue redox states may provide a new approach to the therapy of shock.