Effect of dexmedetomidine on inflammatory mediators in different periods of sepsis in rats

Abstract

Objective To investigate the effect of dexmedetomidine (DEX) on inflammatory mediators in different periods of sepsis and its impact on survival rate of rats with sepsis. Methods Ninety male Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups: control group (group C) , sepsis model group (group S) , and DEX treatment group (group D). Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was injected to the vein to reproduce a classic sepsis model, while in control group, equivalent volume of NS was used instead. Different treatments were given to the corresponding groups, and then venous blood was taken at given intervals. Behavioral changes and mortality rate of rats within 48 hours after experiment were recorded. The levels of the early inflammatory mediators such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) , interleukin-6 (IL-6) and the late inflammatory mediators such as high-mobility group boxl protein (HMGB1) in blood serum were detected by ELISA. Results Among three groups, there were significant differences in mortality rate of rats, the serum level of TNF-α, IL-6 and HMGB1 (all P<0.05). Conclusion DEX has a certain anti-inflammatory effects on early and late stages of sepsis in rats with sepsis, and can also reduce the mortality rate. Key words: Dexmedetomidine; Sepsis; Inflammatory mediators; High-mobility group boxl protein