Protective effects of hydrogen rich saline solution in rats with experimental myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury.

Aim: The aim of our study is to show whether the administration of hydrogen-rich saline solution (HRSS) intraperitoneally before left main coronary artery (LAD) ischemia protects the myocardium against ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury. Materials and methods: After ethics committee approval, 24 Wistar Albino rats were divided into 4 groups, 6 rats in each group. For experimental IR, myocardial ischemia was performed by LAD ligation. Left thoracotomy was performed without ischemia in the Control group (Group C). Left thoracotomy was performed without myocardial ischemia to the rats in the HRSS group, and HRSS was given intraperitoneally (ip) at a rate of 10 ml/kg throughout the procedure. In the MIR-HRSS group, a single dose of 10 ml/kg HRSS was administered 5 min before reperfusion. Histopathological and biochemical parameters were compared in myocardial tissue samples taken at the end of the reperfusion period. Results: When the groups were compared among themselves in terms of TOS and TAS levels, there was a significant difference between the groups (p = 0.006, p = 0.002). The severity of cardiomyocyte degeneration was significantly greater in MIR group than that in the control and HRSS groups (p = 0.002 and p = 0.001, respectively), as well as severity score of cardiomyocyte degeneration was higher in MIR-HRSS group compared with HRSS group (p = 0.035). Conclusion: Our study shows that HRSS is protective in IR injury, with the application of HRSS 5 min before reperfusion, interstitial edema severity, subendocardial haemorrhage are reduced, and oxidant status parameters are increased, while antioxidant status parameters are decreased. We believe that when it is supported by other studies, the protective effects of HRSS on IR damage will be shown in detail and its indications will be expanded.

Effects of fullerene C60 on liver tissue in liver ischemia reperfusion injury in rats undergoing sevoflurane anesthesia.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of fullerene C60 on rat liver tissue in a liver ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI) model under sevoflurane anesthesia to evaluate the ability of nanoparticles to prevent hepatic complications. A total of 36 adult female Wistar Albino rats were divided into six groups, each containing six groups as follows: sham group (Group S), fullerene C60 group (Group FC60), ischemia-reperfusion group (Group IR), ischemia-reperfusion-sevoflurane group (Group IR-Sevo), ischemia-reperfusion-fullerene C60 group (Group IR-FC60), and ischemia-reperfusion-fullerene C60-sevoflurane group (Group IR-FC60-Sevo). Fullerene C60 100 mg/kg was administered to IR-FC60 and IR-FC60-Sevo groups. In the IR group, 2 h of ischemia and 2 h of reperfusion were performed. At the end of reperfusion, liver tissues were removed for biochemical assays and histopathological examinations. Hepatocyte degeneration, sinusoidal dilatation, prenecrotic cells, and mononuclear cell infiltration in the parenchyma were significantly higher in Group IR than in all other groups. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances levels were significantly higher in Group IR than in the other groups, and the lowest thiobarbituric acid reactive substances level was in Group IR-FC60 than in the other groups, except for Groups S and FC60. Catalase and Glutathione-S-transferase activities were reduced in the IR group compared to all other groups. Fullerene C60 had protective effects against liver IR injury in rats under sevoflurane anesthesia. The use of fullerene C60 could reduce the adverse effects of IRI and the associated costs of liver transplantation surgery.

Effects of cerium oxide (CeO2) on liver tissue in liver ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats undergoing desflurane anesthesia.

INTRODUCTION: During liver surgery and transplantation, periods of partial or total vascular occlusion are inevitable and result in ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI). Nanomedicine uses the latest technology, which has emerged with interdisciplinary effects, such as biomedical sciences, physics, and engineering, to protect and improve human health. Interdisciplinary research has brought along the introduction of antioxidant nanoparticles as potential therapeutics. The goal of this study was to investigate the effects of cerium oxide (CeO2) administration and desflurane anesthesia on liver tissue in liver IR injury. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty rats were randomly divided into five groups: control (C), ischemia-reperfusion (IR), IR-desflurane (IRD), cerium oxide-ischemia reperfusion (CeO2-IR), and cerium oxide-ischemia reperfusion-desflurane (CeO2-IRD). In the IR, IRD, and CeO2-IRD groups, hepatic ischemia was induced after the porta hepatis was clamped for 120 min, followed by 120 min of reperfusion. Intraperitoneal 0.5 mg/kg CeO2 was administered to the CeO2 groups 30 min before ischemia. Desflurane (6%) was administered to the IRD and CeO2-IRD groups during IR. All groups were sacrificed under anesthesia. Liver tissue samples were examined under a light microscope by staining with hematoxylin-eosin (H&E). Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, catalase (CAT), glutathione-s-transferase (GST), and arylesterase (ARE) enzyme activities were measured in the tissue samples. RESULTS: The IR group had considerably more hydropic degeneration, sinusoidal dilatation, and parenchymal mononuclear cell infiltration than the IRD, CeO2-IR, and CeO2-IRD groups. Catalase and GST enzyme activity were significantly higher in the CeO2-IR group than in the IR group. The MDA levels were found to be significantly lower in the IRD, CeO2-IR, and CeO2-IRD groups than in the IR group. CONCLUSION: Intraperitoneal CeO2 with desflurane reduced oxidative stress and corrected liver damage.

Effects of Dexmedetomidine Administered Through Different Routes on Kidney Tissue in Rats with Spinal Cord Ischaemia-Reperfusion Injury.

Background: Ischaemia-reperfusion (IR) injury, which can be encountered during surgical procedures involving the abdominal aorta, is a complex process that affects distant organs, such as the heart, liver, kidney, and lungs, as well as the lower extremities. In this study, we aimed to contribute to the limited literature by investigating the protective effect of dexmedetomidine, which was administered through different routes, on kidney tissue in rats with spinal cord IR injury. Methods: A total of 30 rats were randomly divided into five groups: control (C group), IR (IR group), IR-intraperitoneal dexmedetomidine (IRIPD group), IR-intrathecal dexmedetomidine (IRITD group), and IR-intravenous dexmedetomidine (IRIVD group). The spinal cord IR model was established. Dexmedetomidine was administered at doses of 100 µg/kg intraperitoneally, 3 µg/kg intrathecally, and 9 µg/kg intravenously. Histopathologic parameters in kidney tissue samples taken at the end of the reperfusion period and biochemical parameters in serum were evaluated. Results: When examined histopathologically, tubular dilatation was found to be significantly reduced in the IRIVD, IRITD, and IRIPD groups compared with the IR group (p = 0.012, all). Vascular vacuolization and hypertrophy were significantly decreased in the IRIVD, IRITD, and IRIPD groups compared with the IR group (p = 0.006, all). Tubular cell degeneration and necrosis were significantly reduced in the IRIVD, IRITD, and IRIPD groups compared with the IR group (p = 0.008, p = 0.08, and p = 0.030, respectively). Lymphocyte infiltration was significantly decreased in the IRIVD and IRITD groups compared with the IR group (p = 0.006 and p = 0.06, respectively). Conclusion: It was observed that dexmedetomidine administered by different routes improved the damage caused by IR in kidney histopathology. We think that the renoprotective effects of dexmedetomidine administered intravenously and intrathecally before IR in rats are greater.

The Effect of Circadian Rhytm in Patients Undergoing Spinal Anesthesia.

OBJECTIVE: The circadian rhythm is the most important of the main rhythms that affect our daily lives and has a significant role in the efficiency of a lot of drugs used in anesthesia. The aim of this study is to prove whether circadian rythm has an effect on spinal anesthesia and, if any, its effect on postoperative analgesic request by retrospectively studying the patients operated under spinal anesthesia. METHODS: We conducted the study on patients operated on inguinal hernia and anorectal surgery under spinal anesthesia in general surgery room. The patients were divided into two groups according to the time when they were taken into surgery: between 06.00-12.00 (Group 1) and 12.00- 18.00 (Group 2). Time to first analgesic request, time to start walking, time to first urination, intraoperative and postoperative side effects, intraoperative hemodynamic data, and patient satisfaction were detected and recorded. RESULTS: The time to first analgesic request in Group 1 was longer than in Group 2, and this difference was statistically significant. The mean heart rate of the groups was found significantly lower in Group 2 than in Group 1 during measurements at the 25. and 30. minute when compared with their changes over time. There were no statistically significant differences between the groups in terms of side effects and the most common side effect was detected to be nausea - vomiting. CONCLUSIONS: We found out that the time to first analgesic request after spinal anesthesia was significantly longer in Group 1 than in Group 2.

Clinically suspected anaphylaxis induced by sugammadex in a patient with Weaver syndrome undergoing restrictive mammoplasty surgery: A case report with the literature review.

RATIONALE: Sugammadex is a cylodextrin derivate that encapsulates steroidal neuromuscular blocker agents and is reported as a safe and well-tolerated drug. In this case report, we present a patient who developed grade 3 anaphylaxis just after sugammadex administration. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 22-year-old woman with diagnosis of Weaver syndrome was scheduled for bilateral mammoplasty and resection of unilateral accessory breast tissue resection. Anesthesia was induced and maintained by propofol, rocuronium, and remifentanil. At the end of the operation, sugammadex was administered and resulted in initially hypotension and bradycardia then the situation worsened by premature ventricular contraction and bigeminy with tachycardia, bronchospasm, and hypoxia. DIAGNOSIS: The Ring and Messmer clinical severity scale grade 3 anaphylactic reaction occurred just after sugammadex injection and the patient developed prolonged hypotension with recurrent cardiac arrhythmias in postoperative 12 hours. INTERVENTIONS: Treatment was initiated bolus injections of ephedrine, epinephrine, lidocaine, steroids and antihistaminic and continued with lidocaine bolus dosages and norepinephrine infusion for the postoperative period. OUTCOMES: The general condition of the patient improved to normal 3 hours after the sugammadex injection, and she was moved to the intensive care unit. At 2nd and 8th hours of intensive care unit follow-up, she developed premature ventricular contraction and bigeminy with the heart rate of 130 to 135 beats/min, which returned to sinus rhythm with 50 mg lidocaine. After that, no symptoms were observed and the patient was discharged to plastic surgery clinic at the following day. LESSONS: Sugammadex may result in life-treating anaphylactic reaction even in a patient who did not previously expose to drug. Moreover, prolonged cardiovascular collapse and cardiac arrhythmias may occur.

Synthesis and pharmacological evaluation of some novel thebaine derivatives: N-(tetrazol-1H-5-yl)-6,14-endoethenotetrahydrothebaine incorporating the 1,3,4-oxadiazole or the 1,3,4-thiadiazole moiety.

In this study, we synthesized some novel N-(tetrazol-1H-5-yl)-6,14-endoethenotetrahydrothebaine 7α-substituted 1,3,4-oxadiazole and 1,3,4-thiadiazole derivatives as potential analgesic agents. The structures of the compounds were established on the basis of their IR, ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, 2D NMR, and high-resolution mass spectral data. The analgesic activity was evaluated by a rat-hot plate test model and a rat tail-flick model. Compound 12 showed analgesic activity higher than that of morphine. In addition to a histopathological and biochemical evaluation, the LD50 dose for the most active compound 12 was determined.

The effects of sevoflurane and propofol anesthesia on renal sodium-potassium adenosine triphosphatase activity during pneumoperitoneum in rats.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the renal sodium-potassium adenosine triphosphatase (Na+/K+ATPase) activity, kidney morphology, and the probable protective effects of 2 different anesthetic agents used during pneumoperitoneum (PP). METHODS: The study was performed at Gazi University Experimental Research Center, Ankara, Turkey between January and July 2009. Twenty-four Wistar albino male rats weighing 320-380 g were randomly allocated to 4 groups after receiving ethics committee approval. All rats were cannulated, intubated, and ventilated under ketamine anesthesia. No further surgical intervention was performed for group I. An intraabdominal pressure (IAP) of 10 mm Hg was created by CO2 insufflation in 18 animals for one hour. The animals in group II received no further anesthetic agents, while the animals in groups III and IV received propofol and sevoflurane. At the end of the protocol, all animals underwent left nephrectomy without sacrificing. Urine was collected from each animal for the following 24 hour for the evaluation of urine creatinine and protein. RESULTS: The activity of renal Na+/K+ATPase was significantly lower in groups II (p=0.014), III (p=0.019), and IV (p=0.032) compared to group I. The pathological score was significantly higher in groups II (p=0.017), III (p=0.028), and IV (p=0.039) compared to group I. No statistically significant difference was found among groups II, III, and IV in terms of Na+/K+ATPase activity and pathological scores. CONCLUSION: Elevated IAP is related with impaired kidney functions and morphology, and the so-called renoprotective agents neither improved, nor worsened PP-related renal impairment.

A study to investigate the relationship between difficult intubation and prediction criterion of difficult intubation in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) syndrome is predisposed to the development of upper airway obstruction during sleep, and it poses considerable problem for anesthetic management. Difficult intubation (DI) is an important problem for management of anesthesia. In this clinical research, we aim to investigate the relationship between DI and prediction criteria of DI in cases with OSA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We studied 40 [OSA (Group O, n = 20) and non-OSA, (Group C, n = 20)] ASA I-II, adult patients scheduled tonsillectomy under general anesthesia. Same anesthetic protocol was used in two groups. Intubation difficulties were assessed by Mallampati grading, Wilson sum score, Laryngoscopic grading (Cormack and Lehane), a line joining the angle of the mouth and tragus of the ear with the horizontal, sternomental distance, and tyromental distance. Demographic properties, time-dependent hemodynamic variables, doses of reversal agent, anesthesia and operation times, and recovery parameters were recorded. RESULTS: Significant difference was detected between groups in terms of BMI, Mallampati grading, Wilson weight scores, Laryngoscopic grading, sternomental distance, tyromental distance, doses of reversal agent, and recovery parameters. CONCLUSION: OSA patient's DI ratio is higher than that of non-OSA patients. BMI Mallampati grading, Wilson weight scores, Laryngoscopic grading, sternomental distance, and tyromental distance evaluation might be predictors for DI in patients with OSA.

Thoracic epidural bupivacaine attenuates inflammatory response, intestinal lipid peroxidation, oxidative injury, and mucosal apoptosis induced by mesenteric ischemia/reperfusion.

BACKGROUND: We conducted this study to evaluate the effects of thoracic epidural anesthesia (TEA) on inflammatory response, lipid peroxidation, and oxidative stress in a rat model of mesenteric ischemia/reperfusion (I/R). METHOD: Rats were divided into 4 groups: sham group (n=6; sham laparotomy), control group (n=6; I/R), bupivacaine group (n=6; mesenteric I/R and 20 µL/h 0.5% bupivacaine), and saline group (n=6, mesenteric I/R and 20 µL/h 0.9% saline). I/R injury was established by occluding the superior mesenteric artery for 1 hour followed by 12 hours reperfusion. Blood gas, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, interleukin-1ß, glutathione peroxidise, superoxide dismutase, catalese, myeloperoxidase concentrations, immunohistochemical examinations (intracellular adhesion molecule-1), apoptosis determination, and wet/dry ratio of intestinal edema were determined. RESULTS: Bupivacaine significantly decreased the cytokine, malondialdehyde, and myeloperoxidase levels and increased the antioxidant enzyme levels. Wet/dry ratio comparison showed a significant decrease in the bupivacaine (2.88±0.17) group in comparison with control (5.45±0.67) and saline (5.87±0.17) groups. The intestinal injury score was significantly decreased in rats in the epidural bupivacaine (2 [1-2]) infusion group in comparison with rats in the control (3 [2-3]) and saline (3 [2-4]) groups. Bupivacaine (63%) caused a significant decrease in the percentage of apoptotic cells in comparison with control (85%) only. ICAM-1 levels in the bupivacaine (27.4±7.1) group decreased in comparison with control (12.3±7.4) and saline (24.9±3.2) groups. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that epidural bupivacaine attenuates the mesenteric I/R-related inflammatory response and intestinal damage.

Effects of the general anaesthetic agent, propofol, on erythrocyte deformability.

OBJECTIVES: Propofol is an anesthetic agent frequently used for sedation and general anesthesia. The purpose of our study was to investigate the effect of propofol, a general anesthetic, on erythrocyte deformability in rats. METHODOLOGY: The study was performed on 20 male and 20 female rats, with 10 rats in each study group and 10 rats in each control group. The rats in the study group were administered propofol (150 mg.kg(-1)) intraperitoneally, and the rats in the control group were administered SF. Erythrocyte packs were prepared using heparinized total blood samples. Deformability measurements were done by erythrocyte suspensions in PBS buffer. A constant flow filtrometer system was used to measure erythrocyte deformability, and the relative resistance was calculated. RESULTS: The use of propofol resulted in the increase in the relative resistance, which is an indicator for the erythrocyte deformability in both male and female rats (p = 0.002, p = 0.042, respectively). CONCLUSION: A negative change in the erythrocyte deformability may cause a functional deterioration in blood flow and tissue perfusion (Fig. 1, Ref. 23).

Effects of lidocaine on membrane stabilization in harvested vein graft storage.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of lidocaine on the morphology of saphenous veins (SVs) harvested during coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. METHODS: This experimental study was conducted at the Cardiovascular Surgery Department, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey, between May and September 2007. The SVs from 11 patients who underwent CABG surgery were divided into 3 segments. Each segment from the same location of the grafts was allocated into 3 groups as control group (group C), physiologic saline group (group PS), and lidocaine group (group L). Nitric oxide synthase (NOS), nitric oxide (NO) pool, super oxide dismutase (SOD), and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) levels were measured in the samples from the groups. Histologic specimens were evaluated according to previously defined criteria, and scored accordingly. RESULTS: Histological examination of the grafts in groups L and C were similar, but histological scoring of grafts in group PS were statistically higher than group C (p=0.008). Nitric oxide synthase activity and NO pool were higher in groups L and PS than in group C (p=0.010). Super oxide dismutase activity was higher in group L than in group PS (p=0.008). Super oxide dismutase activity was lower in group PS than in group C (p=0.047). There was no significant difference between TBARS level in all groups. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that primary damage might occur during surgery due to traumatic handling of the graft, and succeeding injuries could occur due to ischemia-reperfusion injury during the waiting period. Adding lidocaine to the preservation solution will protect later injury.

Comparison of bupivacaine and ropivacaine on postoperative pain after tonsillectomy in paediatric patients.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to compare the effects of peritonsillar bupivacaine and ropivacaine infiltration on pain after tonsillectomy in children. METHOD: Sixty patients were randomly allocated to three groups: pertonsillar infiltration with bupivacaine (group B), ropivacaine (group R) and normal saline (group S). Pain scores with visual analogue scale (VAS) and sedation scores were assessed during postoperative 24h. Choice of additional analgesic was acetaminophen for all patients. RESULTS: VAS was significantly lower in groups B and R, during the first half hour, while it was lower in group B than those in groups R and S at postoperative second and sixth hours. Time to first analgesic treatment was significantly longer in groups B and R. Total acetaminophen consumption was lower in group B than those in group S. Sedation scores were higher in group B than in groups R and S until postoperative second hour but there were significant difference only at postoperative fifth minutes. CONCLUSION: Peritonsillar bupivacaine infiltration is, however, insufficient to control postoperative pain, it is more effective than ropivacaine for reducing postoperative analgesic requirement.

Effects of repeated desflurane and sevoflurane anesthesia on enzymatic free radical scavanger system.

BACKGROUND: To investigate the possible effects of repeated sevoflurane and desflurane anesthesia on hepatocellular system by evaluating the free radical metabolism, hepatocellular enzymes and histopatholgical changes in rats. METHODS: Four groups of animals were studied. Sevoflurane 2% (v/v) and desflurane 6% (v/v) in air/O2 were administered to animals in group II (n=9) and III (n=9) respectively. 100% (v/v) O(2) was administered in group IV (n=9). Administration was done for 60 minutes over 3 days. Nine animals were allocated to control group (group I), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathion peroxidase (GSH-Px), glutathione-s-transferase (GST) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were studied. Also electron microscopy was performed. RESULTS: Catalase, SOD, GSH-Px, GST activities and TBARS levels were significantly higher in groups II and III than in group I (p<0.05). All parameters were significantly higher in groups II versus group IV (p<0.05). On the other hand, SOD, GSH-Px and GST activities were significantly elevated in group III than IV, but CAT activity and TBARS levels were not significantly. Catalase, SOD, GSH-Px, GST but not TBARS levels were significantly higher in groups II and III than in group IV (p<0.05). TBARS levels were higher in group III than in group IV, but this elevation was not statistically significant. CAT, SOD and GSH-Px activities were significantly higher in groups II than in group III (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Although electron microscopy findings were similar for group II and III, we can conclude that sevoflurane might cause more cellular damage than desflurane by causing higher activation of free radical metabolising enzymes.

The effect of nicotine on the recovery of rats receiving anesthesia.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of intraperitoneal (ip) nicotine on the recovery of rats receiving general anesthesia compared with placebo. METHODS: The placebo controlled experimental study was conducted in the Faculty of Medicine, Gazi University, Turkey, between April and May 2005. Twenty-one male and 21 female rats were randomly divided into 3 groups. Group C (n=14), comprising a female group CF (n=7), and male group CM (n=7) received ip 0.9% sodium chloride (NaCl), group P (n=14), comprising a female group PF (n=7), and male group PM (n=7) received ip propofol 150 mg/kg, and group NP (n=14), comprising a female group NPF (n=7), and male group NPM (n=7) received 0.4 mg/kg ip nicotine followed by 150 mg/kg propofol after 15 minutes. For the evaluation of recovery period, tail pinch test was used, and for cognitive performance, the radial arm maze test was used. RESULTS: The number of entrances and exits decreased in group P significantly compared to group C (p<0.05), and the decrease in group PF was higher than it was in group PM. Entrance and exit in group NP increased significantly compared to group P (p<0.05). The increase in entrance and exit in group NPF was much higher compared to group NPM. The recovery period in group NP was significantly shorter than in group P (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The ip administration of nicotine in rats shortens the recovery from propofol anesthesia and improves cognitive performance.

Dexmedetomidine decreases emergence agitation in pediatric patients after sevoflurane anesthesia without surgery.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the present study was to determine whether prophylactic use of 1 microg x kg(-1) dexmedetomidine affected the incidence of emergence agitation (EA) after sevoflurane based anesthesia without surgery in children. METHODS: In a double-blinded trial, 42 children (ASA I-II,18 months to 10 years) undergoing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination were randomly assigned to receive dexmedetomidine 1 microg x kg(-1) iv or placebo after induction of anesthesia. Heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP), hemoglobin oxygen saturation (SpO2) were monitored. Anesthesia was induced in all patients, irrespective of group, with 8% sevoflurane in 50-50% O2/N2O and maintained with 1.5% sevoflurane in 50/50% O2/N2O. Agitation parameters were assessed with a 5-point scale and measured every 5 min. Delirium was defined as agitation score of > or =4 for > or =5 min. Anesthesia and procedure times and per- and postoperative side effects were recorded. RESULTS: The HR, MAP, and SpO2, spontaneous arm or leg motion times and purposeful movement times showed no significant differences between the two groups. The time of removing the LMA, and the time of eye opening with verbal stimuli was shorter in group P than the group D (P = 0.007 and P = 0.01). The time of discharge to recovery room and the time of discharge from hospital were similar in the two groups. The mean agitation scores in the dexmedetomidine group were significantly lower than the placebo group except at 30 min (P < 0.0001, P = 0.001, P = 0.002, P = 0.013 and P = 0.001). The incidence of emergence agitation was 47.6% in group P, and 4.8% in group D (P = 0.002). CONCLUSION: We concluded that a 1 microg x kg(-1) dose of i.v. dexmedetomidine reduces EA after sevoflurane anesthesia in children undergoing MRI.

The red blood cell deformability alterations under desfluran anesthesia in rats.

General anesthesia, either with inhalation or through nonvolatile anesthetics, is known to affect the overall cardiovascular function as well as the microcirculatory hemodynamics. In this study, the effects of desfluran anesthesia on the red blood cell deformability of young and old rats are investigated. 33 male rats were used in the study and the rats were divided into two groups according to their age (young and old) comprising of two subgroups in each. First group was the young control (n = 5), the second was the young group treated with desfluran (n = 7), the third group was the old control (n = 7) and the last group was the old group treated with desfluran (n = 7). %6 of desfluran was applied to the rats with inhalation in an adjustable cage for one hour. The elongation indexes of the erythrocytes were measured by a laser diffractometer (Myrenne Rheodyne SSD). Deformability indexes of red blood cells were significantly increased with desfluran in young rats (p = 0.042) whereas they were significantly decreased in old rats (p = 0.004) with desfluran application compared with their controls. When we compared the young and old control groups, the deformability indexes were significantly higher in old ones (p < 0.001). However, there was no significant difference between the old and the young desfluran applied groups. The volatile anesthetic agent desfluran impairs the deformability of erythrocytes in old rats compared to their controls, whereas it has the opposite effects on young ones. This may be due to the alterations in membrane structure with age. These results reveal that the inhalation of anesthetics like desfluran may cause more serious problems in the elder people during the surgery and may influence their hemodynamic parameters.

The influence of sevoflurane anesthesia on the rat red blood cell deformability.

Alterations in blood rheology under the influence of anesthesia have been observed and discussed among the responsible factors for the deterioration of tissue and organ perfusion related to anesthetic procedures. Sevoflurane is one of the volatil anesthetics which is being used very common in surgery. In this study, the effects of sevoflurane anesthesia were investigated in different age groups of rats. 22 male rats were used in the study and the rats were divided into two groups according to their age (young and old) comprising of two subgroups in each. First group was the young control (n = 5), the second was the young group treated with sevoflurane (n = 5), the third group was the old control (n = 7) and the last group was the old group treated with sevoflurane (n = 5). %2 of sevoflurane was applied to the rats with inhalation in a adjustable cage for one hour. The deformability indexes of the erythrocytes were measured by a laser diffractometer (Myrenne Rheodyne SSD). Deformability indexes of red blood cells were significantly decreased with sevoflurane in old rats (p = 0.028) whereas it had not any significant effect in young group compared with their controls. When we compared the young and old control groups, the deformability indexes were significantly higher in old ones (p < 0.001). However, there were not any significant difference between the old and the young sevoflurane applied groups. A volatil anesthetic agent sevoflurane has impaired the deformability of erythrocytes in old rats compared to their controls, whereas it had not any significant effect in young ones which may be due to the flexibility of the young erythrocytes leading them to tolerate to the environmental changes. These results reveal that the inhalation anesthetics like sevoflurane may cause more serious problems in the elder people and their hemodynamic parameters should be checked more seriously during the surgery.