Dynamic changes of plasma IL-18 in traumatic shock rabbits and the intervention with methylene blue

Objective To observe the changes of plasma interleukin-18(IL-18)in rabbit models of traumatic shock and the intervention with methylene blue(MB,a guanylate cyclase inhibitor).Methods Eighteen rabbits were randomly assigned into 3 groups(n=6 each):namely sham operation control group,traumatic shock resuscitated with normal saline group(NS group)and traumatic shock resuscitated with methylene blue group(MB group).Plasma IL-18 was measured at 6 time points,i.e.pre-shock,tele-shock,tele-resuscitation and 0.5 h,2 h and 4 h after resuscitation.Results The level of plasma IL-18 in control group was rather stable,showing no significant variation in the experimental period.The IL-18 level was markedly elevated in the shock groups at the point of tele-shock.However,it was obviously inhibited after the MB resuscitation and became lower in MB group than in NS group.Conclusion IL-18 plays important roles in the pathological process of traumatic shock,and the application of MB in resuscitation can decrease plasma IL-18 and improve the condition of traumatic shock.