Effect of sodium succinate on gas exchange in rats with barbiturate-induced coma.

Injection of sodium succinate in doses of 5 or 10 mmol/kg (but not 1 mmol/kg) intensified oxygen consumption in rats with sodium thiopental-induced coma. Injection of SDH inhibitor (sodium malonate) inhibited gas exchange and abolished the effect of sodium succinate. The effect of succinate on rat survival was positive, while that of malonate was negative, but manifested only as a trend. The critical role of succinate oxidation in preventing lethal complications of barbiturate-induced coma is proved.