Effects of dexmedetomidine on the cellular immune function of rats with scald

Objective To evaluate the effects of dexmedetomidine on the cellular immune function of the rats with scald.Methods Seventy-two healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats,weighing 200-220 g,aged 120-150 days,were randomly divided into 3 groups (n =24 each):normal control group (group C),scald group (group S) and dexmedetomidine group (group D).Thirty percent of the total body surface was shaved and then exposed to 94 ℃ water for 12 s in S and D groups.The rats were resuscitated according to Parkland formula after scald in S and D groups,and in addition,dexmedetomidine 30 μg/kg was also intraperitoneally injected immediately after scald in D group.Before the model was established (T1) and at 12 and 24 h after scald (T2,3),blood samples from the inferior vena cava were collected for determination of T lymphocyte subsets CD3 +,CD4 + and CD8 +,NK cell,C-reactive protein (CRP),interleukin-6 (IL-6),IL-10 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) level.CD4+/CD8+ was calculated.Arterial blood samples were collected for blood gas analysis.Results Compared with C,the CD3+,CD4+ and NK cell levels,CD4+/CD8+,pH value,PaCO2 and PaO2 were significantly decreased,and CD8+ levels,IL-6,IL-10,TNF-α,CRP and BE negative value were increased at T2,3 in S and D groups.Compared with group S,the CD3+,CD4+,NK cell and IL-10 levels,CD4+/CD8+,pH value,PaCO2 and PaO2 were significantly increased,and CD8+ levels,IL-6,TNF-α,CRP and BE negative value were decreased at T2,3 in group D.Conclusion Dexmedetomidine can improve the cellular immune function of the rats with scald. Key words: Dexmedetomidine;  Burns;  Immunity, cellular