-increased membrane lipid stability,
-alterations in the release and reuptake of neurotransmitters (eg, excitatory amino acids and dopamine),
-preservation of the blood-brain barrier, and
-the release of various substances that have a protective effect on cellular membrane function.
However, these results have to be considered relative to the experimental animal used, as species vary in their ability to withstand cerebral hypoxia and hypothermia. This area of research is at present one of the most active, because hypothermia in some form may act to protect the hypoxic, physically traumatized brain.