Effects of sevoflurane preconditioning on renal ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats

Objective To investigate the effects of sevoflurane preconditioning on renal ischemia-reperfusion(I/R)injury in rats.Methods Twenty-four adult male SD rats weighing 250-300 g were randomly divided into 3 groups(n=8 each):sham operation group (group S);I/R group; sevoflurane preconditioning group (group SP). After the rats underwent right nephrectomy, renal I/R was produced by occlusion of left renal artery for 45 min followed by reperfusion in I/R and SP groups.In group SP, the rats inhaled 2.2% sevoflurane for 1 h, then the inhalation was stopped and renal ischemia was performed 10 min later. Venous blood samples were collected at 2 h of reperfusion to determine the concentrations of serum creatinine(Cr), urea nitrogen (BUN), cystatin C (Cys C) . The renal tissues were obtained for microscopic examination, and Paller's score was recorded. Results Compared with group S, there was no significant difference in the serum Cr and BUN concentrations (P＞0.05), while the serum Cys C concentration and Paller's score for acute renal tubular injury were significantly increased in group I/R(P＜0.05). The serum Cys C concentration and Paller's score were significantly lower in group SP than in group I/R(P＜0.05).I/R-induced renal injury was significantly reduced in group SP compared with group I/R. Conclusion Preconditioning with sevoflurane can provide significant protection against renal I/R injury. Key words: Ischemic preconditioning;  Reperfusion injury;  Kidney;  Sevoflurane