Effects of hydrocortisone on myocardial function in early stage of sepsis in rabbits

Abstract

Objective To study the effects of different dose of hydrocortisone (HC) on myocardial function in early stage of sepsis in rabbits. Methods Twenty-four male rabbits were randomly divided into three groups: model group (n=8), HC low dosage group (10 mg/kg, n=8), HC high dosage group (100 mg/kg, n=8). The model was reproduced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). The function of the left ventricle was monitored and blood was drawn at 5 time points [before CLP, before treatment (1 hour after CLP) and 2, 4, 6 hours after the treatment] to determine concentrations of cardiac troponine I (cTnI) and nitric oxide (NO). The expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) of myocytes was investigated. Results Compared to the basic levels, maximal positive and negative change in filling pressure versus time (±dp/dt max) decreased significantly, while NO increased significantly before treatment in all groups (all P<0.05). At 6 hours after treatment, ±dp/dt max in HC low dosage group was significantly higher than that in the other two groups, while cTnI was significantly lower in HC low dosage group than that in the other two groups (all P<0.05). NO content in two HC groups was significantly lower than that in model group (all P<0.05), and the iNOS expressions on myocardial cells was weaker than model group [model group: (81.8±15.8)%, HC low dosage group: (56.7±21.2)%, HC high dosage group: (54.6±16.1)%, all P<0.05]. Conclusion Myocardial function is remarkably damaged in rabbits with sepsis. HC low dosage group exerts protective effect on myocardial cells in early stage of sepsis. Key words: Sepsis ; Myocardium ; Hydrocortisone ; Nitric oxide ; Myocardial function ; Cardiac troponine ; Rabbit ;