Effects of sevoflurane preconditioning and postconditioning on activity of NF-κB during lung ischemia-reperfusion in rats

Objective To evaluate the effects of sevoflurane preconditioning and postconditioning on the activity of NF-κB during lung ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) in rats.Methods Fifty-four adult male Sprague-Dawley rats,weighing 300-350 g,were randomly divided into 3 groups (n =18 each) using a random number table:sham operation group (S group),I/R group and sevoflurane preconditioning and postconditioning group (SPP group).Lung I/R was induced by clamping the left pulmonary hilum for 45 min followed by 120 min reperfusion in I/R and SP groups.The left pulmonary hilum was only isolated but not ligated in group S.In group SP,2.1％ sevoflurane was inhaled for 30 min followed by 10 min washout,the left pulmonary hilum was then ligated for 45 min,and 2.1％ sevoflurane was inhaled for 30 min again starting from onset of reperfusion.Six rats were chosen at 30,60 and 120 min of reperfusion and sacrificed in each group,lungs were removed for determination of wet/dry lung weight (W/D) ratio and content of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) (by ELISA) and expression of nuclear transcription factor κB (NF-κB) p65 of nuclear protein (by Western blot) and for microscopic examination of the pathologic changes of lungs (with light microscope).Results Compared with S group,W/D ratio,TNF-α content and nuclear protein NF-κB p65 expression in lung tissues were significantly increased at each time point of reperfusion in I/R and SPP groups.Compared with I/R group,W/D ratio,TNF-α content and nuclear protein NF-κB p65 expression in lung tissues were significantly increased at each time point of reperfusion,and the pathological changes of lungs were attenuated in SPP group.Conclusion Sevoflurane preconditioning combined with postconditioning can reduce the lung I/R injury in rats through inhibiting NF-κB activity in lung tissues. Key words: Anesthetics, inhalation;  Ischemic preconditioning;  Reperfusion injury;  Lung;  NF-kappa B;  Ischemic postconditioning