The effect of remifentanil on expressions of apoptotic factors in the late stage of hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats

Objective To investigate the effect of remifentanil on the expressions of cellular apoptotic factors Bax and bcl-2 protein and mRNA in a rat model of hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury. Methods Ninety male Wistar rats were randomized to group I, R, NR, N, or C. A rat model of 70% partial hepatic ischemia / reperfusion was used. Before ischemia, the rats received normal saline (group I), remifentanil(groups R and NR), or naloxone (groups N and NR). ALT activity and plasma TNF-α levels were determined 1 h and 12 h after reperfusion; expressions of Bax and bcl-2 protein and mRNA in the hepatic tissues were detected 12 h following reperfusion. Results ALT activity and TNF-α levels 1 h after reperfusion and expression levels of Bax and bcl-2 protein and mRNA 12 h after reperfusion were significantly lower in group R than in groups I and NR,respectively (P0.05 for all comparisons). Conclusions Remifentanil lowers the expression levels of Bax and bcl-2 protein and mRNA in the late stage of hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury. Naloxone can only interfere part of the protective effect of remifentanil on hepatic injury.