Serum Glutamic Oxalacetic Transaminase Content in Hypothermia.

When the body temperature of pentobarbitalized dogs was lowered, by surface-immersion technique, to 27 degrees -26 degrees C, elevations in serum glutamic oxalacetic transaminase were found only after a period of prolonged hypothermia (12 hours). When the animals were rewarmed, serum levels returned to normal. Histologic study of organs rich in glutamic oxalacetic transaminase revealed no necrosis. The cause for the elevations is not known, although increased membrane permeability secondary to prolonged cold may be a factor.