It's like a scene out of a horror movie.
Scientists were able to bring a pig's brain back to life nearly an hour after the animal died.
Researchers from the Sun Yat Sen University in China, used 17 lab-raised Tibetan minipigs for the experiment wherein they were able to recover and sustain activity in the brain for hours, Science Alert reported.
The team found that pigs who had unharmed liver -- those that had not undergone ischemia -- had less brain damage.
Ischemia happens when there is less blood flow in an area of the body than required. Because blood carries oxygen, the organ or body part also gets less oxygen, Cleveland Clinic explained.
During cardiac arrest situations, there is a rapid stop in blood flow across the body. When ischemia happens in the brain it can cause irreparable damage, which is why the resuscitation window for cardiac arrest is very short, Science Alert pointed out.
By incorporating an undamaged liver into the life support system that included an artificial heart and lungs, the scientists were able to bring the brain back to life.
Brains that were connected to the liver-aided system for 50 minutes showed brain activity of up to six hours. Systems without a liver were not able to sustain brain activity, The US Sun noted.
The researchers hope that their findings can translate to humans wherein doctors can widen the window for the resuscitation of cardiac arrest patients.
According to Medline Plus, permanent brain damage or even death occurs within four minutes from blood flow ceases.
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