Effect of sufentanil on autophagy during myocardial ischemia-reperfusion in rats

Objective To evaluate the effect of sufentanil on autophagy during myocardial ischemia-reperfusion(I/R)in rats. Methods Eighteen adult male Sprague-Dawley rats, weighing 200-250 g, were randomly divided into 3 groups(n=6 each)using a random number table: sham operation group(group SH), I/R group, and sufentanil group(group S). Myocardial I/R injury was produced by occlusion of the anterior descending branch of the left coronary artery for 30 min followed by 120 min reperfusion in the rats anesthetized with chloral hydrate in I/R and S groups.Sufentanil 3 μg/kg was injected via the caudal vein at 30 min prior to ischemia in group S. The equal volume of normal saline was given in SH and I/R groups.At 120 min of reperfusion, arterial blood samples were collected for determination of serum creatine kinase-MB(CK-MB)and lactic dehydrogenase(LDH)concentrations, and myocardial specimens were obtained for examination of the ultrastructure of myocardial cells(using transmission electron microscopy)and for determination of autophagy-related proteins microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 Ⅱ(LC3Ⅱ), Beclin-1 and Bcl-2 expression(by Western blot). Results Compared with group SH, the serum CK-MB and LDH concentrations were significantly increased, the expression of LC3Ⅱ and Beclin-1 was significantly up-regulated, and Bcl-2 expression was significantly down-regulated in group I/R, and the serum CK-MB concentration was significantly increased, the expression of Beclin-1 and Bcl-2 was significantly down-regulated in group S(P 0.05), and the pathological changes were reduced in group S. Conclusion The mechanism by which sufentanil reduces myocardial I/R injury may be related to decreased autophagy in rats. Key words: Sufentanil; Myocardial reperfusion injury; Autophagy