Background Neuroprotection strategies after cardiac arrest (CA)/cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) remain key areas of basic and clinical research. This study was designed to investigate the neuroprotective effects of dexmedetomidine following resuscitation and potential mechanisms. Methods Anesthetized rats underwent 6-min asphyxia-based cardiac arrest and resuscitation, after which the experimental group received a single intravenous dose of dexmedetomidine (25 μg/kg). Neurological outcomes and ataxia were assessed after the return of spontaneous circulation. The serum levels and brain expression of inflammation markers was examined, and apoptotic cells were quantified by TUNEL staining. Results Neuroprotection was enhanced by dexmedetomidine post-conditioning after the return of spontaneous circulation. This enhancement was characterized by the promotion of neurological function scores and coordination. In addition, dexmedetomidine post-conditioning attenuated the serum levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α at 2 h, as well as interleukin IL-1β at 2, 24, and 48 h. TUNEL staining showed that the number of apoptotic cells in the dexmedetomidine post-conditioning group was significantly reduced compared with the control group. Further western blot analysis indicated that dexmedetomidine markedly reduced the levels of caspase-3 and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) in the brain. Conclusions Dexmedetomidine post-conditioning had a neuroprotective effect against cerebral injury following asphyxia-induced cardiac arrest. The mechanism was associated with the downregulation of apoptosis and neuroinflammation.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.