The effect of a pneumatic tourniquet on human striated muscle assessed by means of 31P-NMR spectroscopy
Thomsen, C.; Jensen, K.E.; Henriksen, O.
Ugeskrift for Laeger 150(30): 1850-1852
1988
ISSN/ISBN: 0041-5782 PMID: 3413858 Document Number: 309158
The effect of a pneumatic tourniquet on the human calf muscles was studied in four healthy volunteers by 31P-NMR spectroscopy. During the ischaemia, a fall in phosphorcreatine and an equivivalent rise in inorganic phosphate were seen. Phosphorcreatine decreased to 75% after ischaemia for 30 minutes. During reperfusion with energy-rich phosphormetabolites increased to resting values in five minutes. Employment of a pneumatic tourniquet for one hour with five minutes of reperfusion before subsequent ischaemia is therefore safe with a minimal risk of irreversible muscle damage.