Effects of sevoflurane on serum IL-6 and TNF-α levels after regional myocardial ischemia-reperfusion in immature rabbits in vivo

Objective To investigate the effects of sevoflurane on serum cytokines TNF-α and IL-6 levels in immature rabbits heart in vivo after regional myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (I/R). Methods Twenty-four immature rabbits (one to two weeks old and weighting 290- 375 g) were randomly divided into three groups (8 animals each group) : control group (C); ischemia-reperfusion group (I/R) and evoflurane and ischemia-reperfusion group (S). The animals were anesthetized with intramuscular injection of ketamine (80 mg/kg). Chest was opened and heart was exposed. Left coronary artery was temporarily occluded 1 mm inferior to left auricle for 30 min followed by 120 min reperfusion. Myocardial ischemia was confirmed by decoloration of apex. In group C, heart was exposed but loft coronary artery was not occluded. In group I/R, left coronary artery was occluded for 30 min followed by 120 min reperfusion. In group S, sevoflurane was inbreathed during operation, ischemia and reperfusion. The animals were sacrificed at the end of 120 min reperfusion. Blood samples were taken at the beginning of ischemia (T0), 30 min of ischemia (T1) and 120 min of reperfusion for determination of serum IL-6 and TNF-α levels (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay ELISA). Myocardinm was obtained for histological examination. Results The serum IL-6 level in group S was lower than those in group I/R [ (66.07±24.12) pg/μl,(200.37±93.07) pg/μl](P 0.05).Microscopic examination showed that there were less destructive changes of myocardium in group S than those in group I/R. Conclusion Sevoflurane can attenuate the increase of serum IL-6 level during myocardial ischemia-reperfusion in immature rabbit in vivo, so it may have protection on immature myocardial ischemia-reperfusion. Key words: Myocardial reperfusion injury; Sevoflurane; Rabbit; Immature