Levels of norepinephrine and 5-hydroxytryptamine in the spinal cord of the dog following ischemia and recirculation.

Forty minutes of abdominal aorta ligature (partial ischemia in the lumbosacral segments of the spinal cord) did not change significantly levels of norepinephrine (NE) and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) in the spinal cord of the dog in comparison with sham-operated controls. After a 40-minute interval of recirculation NE levels dropped nonsignificantly below levels of the control group and 5-HT significantly in lumbar segments. It thus appears that even though in the stage of recirculation in the spinal cord energy metabolism is restored, the functional deficit of monoamines may persist.