Protective effects of remifentanil on septic mice.

This study is to explore the effect of remifentanil on inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression, IL-6 and IL-10 levels, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, white blood cell count in bronchoalveolar (BALF), ALT and AST activity in septic mice. Forty male KM mice were randomly divided into four groups, sham group, cecal ligation and puncture group (CLP group), remifentanil treatment group (R1 group), and remifentanil control group (R2 group). The mouse model of CLP was used to observe ALT and AST activity, white blood cell count in BALF and myeloperoxidase (MPO). IL-6 and IL-10 in lung and liver tissue were assayed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Lung and liver tissues were harvested for determination of iNOS expression by Western blot analysis. The pathologic changes were observed under electron microscope. Compared with sham group, iNOS protein expression, white blood cell count in BALF, ALT and AST activity, MPO activity, IL-6 and IL-10 levels were markedly increased in CLP group. Compared with CLP group, iNOS protein expression, IL-6 and IL-10 levels, white blood cell count in BALF, ALT and AST activity, MPO activity of R1 group were significantly lower. The pathologic changes induced by sepsis were significantly attenuated by remifentanil under electron microscope. Remifentanil could suppress inflammatory responses and inhibit iNOS expression in septic mice. Remifentanil might have a protective effect against sepsis. Its action mechanisms are probably involved in the inhibition of inflammatory factor production and suppression of iNOS expression.