Cellular metabolism reduction via hypothermia-induced metabolic suppression

Cellular metabolism reduction via hypothermia-induced metabolic suppression refers to the therapeutic process where deliberate lowering of body or tissue temperature decreases the rate of ATP-dependent cellular metabolism globally or regionally. This leads to protective effects against ischemic and hypoxic injury, particularly in the brain, by reducing energy demand, limiting excitotoxicity, and dampening apoptotic pathways. The process is not a receptor or molecular entity and should not be confused with discrete proteins or druggable targets. Rather, it is a globally orchestrated physiological response involving many signaling pathways (such as caspase inhibition, mitochondrial stabilization, altered calcium dynamics, Akt pathway reinforcement, and cold-inducible RNA-binding proteins). Hypothermia is most often used clinically for neuroprotection after cardiac arrest or during open-heart surgery, taking advantage of a predictable reduction in metabolic rate (about 6-10% for every 1°C cooling).

Other names

Hypothermia-induced metabolic suppressionHypothermia-mediated metabolic rate reduction

Whole body or regional cooling to reduce enzymatic and mitochondrial activity, thereby lowering cellular energy (ATP) demands and slowing cellular processes Decreased ion channel activity, reduced neurotransmitter release, and dampening of apoptotic and excitotoxic pathways