Abstract 120: Artesunate Reduces the Severity of Post-Resuscitation Myocardial and Cerebral Dysfunction

Abstract

Introduction: Artesunate (ART) possesses anti-inflammatory activity, which can mitigate the systemic inflammatory response in poor outcomes of cardiac arrest (CA). We investigated the effects of ART on myocardial and cerebral function, duration of survival, and inflammation in a rat model of CA and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Hypothesis: ART reduces the severity of post resuscitation myocardial and cerebral dysfunction by alleviating inflammation in a rat model of CA and CPR. Methods: 30 male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing between 450g-550g were randomized into 3 groups: Sham (S), Control (C), and Artesunate (A). C and A were divided into subgroups: survival and non-survival (n=6). Ventricular fibrillation (VF) was induced and untreated for 6 min. A 4J defibrillation was attempted after 8 min of CPR. Phosphate buffer (1ml/kg, pH 7.9-8.1) or ART (2.4mg/kg), was administered at return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). Myocardial function was measured at baseline and every hour for 4h post ROSC. Plasma levels of IL-6, TNF-α and cTnI were detected at baseline and 4h after ROSC. Survival animals were observed for an additional 72h. Neurologic deficit scores were recorded daily. Results: ART reduced the severity of post-resuscitation myocardial dysfunction compared to C. It attenuated IL-6, TNF-α and cTnI plasma levels 4h after ROSC (p<0.05) (Fig. 1). Post-resuscitation cerebral function and survival rate also improved significantly (p<0.05) (Fig. 2). Conclusion: ART reduces the severity of post-resuscitation myocardial and cerebral dysfunction, improves survival rate and attenuates inflammation in a rat of model of CA and CPR.