Changes in phospholipid composition of synaptic membranes in medulla oblongata and frontal lobes of the cerebral hemispheres in cats with hemorrhagic shock.

We studied phospholipid composition of brain synaptic membranes isolated from cats with severe hemorrhagic shock. Changes in the medulla oblongata were most pronounced and manifested in decreased content of phosphatidylcholine. Changes in the phospholipid composition of synaptic membranes in the frontal lobes included an increase in phosphatidylinositol content and reduced content of phosphatidylserine. Accumulation of phosphatidylethanolamine in synaptic membranes was found in both the medulla oblongata and frontal lobes. These data help to understand the mechanisms underlying exhaustion of compensatory reserves in brain cells during severe hemorrhagic shock.