Comparison of the Effects of Dexmedetomidine vs. Ketamine in Cardiac Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury in Rats - Preliminary Study.

Abstract

Following ischemia/reperfusion injury, antioxidant defense mechanisms may remain insufficient depending on the duration of ischemia which is caused by any reason (MI, after percutaneous coronary intervention, during cardiac surgery). After that, free oxygen radicals increasing within the cell cause structural deterioration. Cytokines which activate aseries of reactions that cause tissue damage and inflammatory response are released during reperfusion of ischemic tissues. In this study, we aimed to compare the effects of dexmedetomidine and ketamine in cardiac ischemia/reperfusion injury. The study included 18 rats randomly divided into three groups. Group I/R (n=6): control, Group I/R-K (n=6): ketamine, and Group I/R-D (n=6): dexmedetomidine. Before the 10min surgery, after the 20min ischemia and 20min reperfusion period, hemodynamic parameters were compared among the three groups. After the 45min ischemia and 120min reperfusion period, tissue samples were obtained from the rat hearts, and MDA, SOD, GSH-Px, IL-1β and TNF-α levels were compared. MDA and GSH-Px levels were significantly higher in the control group compared to the ketamine and dexmedetomidine groups. However, both levels were similar in the ketamine and dexmedetomidine groups. SOD levels were significantly lower in the ketamine and dexmedetomidine groups compared to the control group, but they were similar in the ketamine and dexmedetomidine groups. IL-1β levels were similar in all groups. TNF-α levels were significantly lower in the ketamine and dexmedetomidine groups compared to the control group. They were similar in the ketamine and dexmedetomidine groups. According to our study, it can be concluded that dexmedetomidine and ketamine have similar effects on reducing myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury. Dexmedetomidine provides better heart rate control but causes hypotension, so, because of cardiac depression, we think that its clinical use may necessitate further investigation.