Dexmedetomidine attenuates lung injury induced by liver ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats

Abstract

Objectives: It was aimed to evaluate histological effects of different doses of dexmedetomidine on lung injury induced by liver ischemia-reperfusion in rats. Materials and methods: Forty rats were included into the study in Inonu University Animal laboratory at 2013, In Group 1, the liver was manipulated and no occlusion of the vessels of the liver was performed. In IR Group 2, 60 min of ischemia and 60 min of reperfusion were applied. In Group 3, 10 mu g/kg of dexmedetomidine was injected into the peritoneal cavity 30 min before ischemia. In Group 4, 100 mu g/kg of dexmedetomidine was administered via intraperitoneal route 30 min before ischemia. Further procedures in groups 3 and 4 were the same as those of group 2. After the experiment was completed, the rats were killed and then histologic assessments were performed to the lung tissues. Results: Histopathological damage score in group 2 was higher than in group 1. Although lung damage was recognized as alleviated in group 3, the lesions did not completely improve. However, treatment with 100 mu g/kg of dexmedetomidine was more effective than 10 mu g/kg of dexmedetomidine injection in respect to protection of alveolar structures. The difference was found to be statistically significant between group 3 and group 4 in terms of histopathological damage score. Conclusions: The present study suggests that dexmedetomidine administration may be beneficial for preventing lung injury induced by hepatic IR.