[Experimental model of ischemic injury of the spinal cord after temporary occlusion of the thoracic artery in the dog].

An experimental model for the ischemic damage of the spinal marrow is described by occlusion of the descending thoracic aorta at a level with the 5th or 6th thoracic vertebrae during 30 min. 17 dogs were operated in general anesthesia. The thoracic aorta was clamped by a Pean's clamp in the 1st group (11 animals). One dog was not paralysed, another dog died after thrombosis of the aorta in the locality of clamping. The occlusion was carried out by means of a tourniquet in a 2nd group (6 animals) and pH, blood gas values, and blood pressure in the axillary artery or the common carotid artery were measured. An increase of the blood pressure above the initial value was prevented by slow infusion of nitroprusside. The oxygen pressure in the spinal marrow tissue was measured continuously simultaneously. All these animals survived the operation and a complete damage of the spinal marrow occurred.