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Objective:To evaluate the effect of Mongolian medicine Eerdun Wurile on postoperative cognitive function in elderly patients undergoing thoracoscopic lobectomy.Methods:Sixty elderly patients of either gender, aged ≥60 yr, of American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status classification Ⅱ or Ⅲ, with body mass index≤28 kg/m 2, with preoperative Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score ≥27 points, undergoing thoracoscopic lobectomy under general anesthesia, were divided into 2 groups ( n=30 each) using the random number table method: control group (group C) and Eerdun Wurile group (group E). Eerdun Wurile 15 capsules per day were taken for 7 consecutive days starting from 3 days before surgery in group E, and placebo was given instead in group C. The peripheral venous blood samples were collected before medication at 3 days before surgery (T 1) and 24 and 72 h after surgery (T 2, 3) for determination of the concentrations of serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), interleukin-1beta (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and Tau proteins by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The patients′ cognitive function was assessed by MMSE at T 1 and 5 days after surgery (T 4), and the occurrence of cognitive decline (MMSE score < 27) was recorded. Results:Compared with group C, the serum BDNF concentration was significantly increased at T 2 and T 3, and the concentrations of IL-1β, TNF-α and Tau protein were decreased, the MMSE score was increased at T 4, and the incidence of cognitive decline was decreased in group E ( P<0.05). Conclusions:Mongolian medicine Eerdun Wurile can improve postoperative cognitive function in elderly patients undergoing thoracoscopic surgery, and the mechanism may be related to reduction of systemic inflammatory responses and promotion of nerve cell repair and regeneration.
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Objective:To evaluate the effects of propofol, dexmedetomidine and ketamine on oncentrations of β-amyloid peptide (Aβ) and tau in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of sleep-deprived rats.Methods:Forty SPF healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats, aged 3-4 months, weighing 230-280 g, were divided into 5 groups ( n=8 each) using a random number table method: control group (group C), sleep deprivation group (SD), propofol group (group P), dexmedetomidine group (group D) and ketamine group (group K). The sleep deprivation was induced using the improved multi-platform sleep deprivation model.Propofol 100 mg/kg, dexmedetomidine 100 mg/kg and ketamine 80 mg/kg were intraperitoneally injected at 72 h of sleep deprivation to maintain anesthesia for 3 h in P, D and K groups, respectively.Group C entered the large platform for 72 h free activity.The CSF was collected at 3 h of anesthesia for measurement of concentrations of Aβ and tau protein by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results:The concentrations of Aβ and tau protein in CSF were significantly higher in SD, P, K and D groups than in group C ( P<0.05). Compared with group SD, the concentrations of Aβ and tau protein in CSF were significantly increased in P and K groups, and the concentrations of Aβ and tau protein in CSF were significantly decreased in group D ( P<0.05). Conclusion:Dexmedetomidine can decrease the the concentrations of Aβ and tau protein in CSF of sleep deprived rats, while propofol and ketamine lead to the opposite effect.
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Objective To evaluate the influence of hyperlipidemia factor on ephedrine-treated hy-potension in the patients undergoing epidural anesthesia. Methods Patients scheduled for elective hyster-ectomy with epidural anesthesia, were divided into normal blood lipid group and hyperlipidemia group ac-cording to the fasting blood lipid level. Epidural puncture was performed at L1,2after replacing the cumula-tive body fluid loss. The hypotensive response was defined as decrease in systolic pressure (SP)＜80% of the baseline value or SP＜90 mmHg. Effective pressor response was defined as increase in SP＞90% of the baseline value or SP＞100 mmHg.The initial dose of ephedrine was 0. 10 mg∕kg.Up-and-down sequential al-location was used to determine the dose of ephedrine. The difference between two successive doses was 0. 02 mg∕kg. Each time the dose increased∕decreased in the next patient according to whether SP increased or not. Probit analysis was used to determine the ED50, and 95% confidence interval (CI) of ephedrine in treating hypotension. Results A total of 114 patients were enrolled in this study, with 64 cases in normal blood lipid group and 50 cases in hyperlipidemia group. The rate of epidural anesthesia-induced hypotension was 22%(14 cases) in normal blood lipid group and 40%(20 cases) in hyperlipidemia group, and there was significant difference between two groups (P＜0. 05). The ED50(95% CI) of ephedrine in treating hypoten-sion was 0. 81 (0. 75-1. 03) mg∕kg and 1. 14 (1. 05-1. 31) mg∕kg in normal blood lipid group and hyper-lipidemia group, respectively, and there was significant difference between two groups ( P＜0. 05). Con-clusion Hyperlipidemia can not only be considered as a risk factor for epidural anesthesia-induced hypo-tension, but also markedly decease pressor responses to ephedrine for the female patients undergoing low epidural anesthesia.
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Objective To evaluate the effect of ABO blood group factor on anticoagulation with aspirin.Methods Seventy-three patients of both sexes,aged 45-70 yr,who did not take aspirin recently,were divided into 4 groups according to the blood group:blood group A group (group A,n=18),blood group B group (group B,n=20),blood group AB group (group AB,n=15),and blood group O group (group O,n =20).Aspirin 100 mg/d was taken orally for 2 weeks.Fasting blood samples were taken from the peripheral vein before administration (T1) and at 2 weeks after administration (T2) for measurement of activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT),thrombin time (TT),prothrombin time (PT),fibrinogen (Fib),platelet count (Plt) and platelet aggregation rate.Results There was no significant difference in Plt at T1,2 or platelet aggregation rate at T1 among the four groups (P＞0.05).Compared with A,B and AB groups,PT,APTT and TT were significantly prolonged and Fib was decreased at T1,and platelet aggregation rate was decreased at T2 in group O (P＜0.05).Compared with the baseline at T1,no significant change was found in PT,APTF,TT,Fib or Plt at T2 (P＞0.05),and platelet aggregation rate was significantly decreased at T2 in the four groups (P＜0.05).Conclusion ABO blood group factor is related to the individual variation in anticoagulation with aspirin,patients of A,B and AB blood group have the same sensitivity to anticoagulation with aspirin,and patients of O blood group are more sensitive to anticoagulation with aspirin.
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Objective To evaluate the effect of dexmedetomidine on the damage to intestinal mu-cous membrane of rats with obstructive jaundice. Methods Thirty pathogen-free healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats, aged 4-6 months, weighing 200-250 g, were divided into 3 groups(n=10 each)using a random number table: control group(group C), obstructive jaundice group(group OJ)and dexmedeto-midine group(group D). Obstructive jaundice was induced by double ligation of common bile duct in anes-thetized rats. In group D, dexmedetomidine was intraperitoneally injected in a loading dose of 100 μg∕kg at 3 days after establishment of the model, followed by intraperitoneal infusion of 50 μg·kg-1·h-1for 5 h. The equal volume of normal saline was given instead in C and OJ groups. At 5 h after administration of dexmedetomidine, blood samples were collected from the heart for determination of serum concentrations of diamine oxidase(DAO)and tumor necrosis factor-alpha(TNF-α)by enzyme-linked immunosorbent as-say. Then the rats were sacrificed and colon tissues were removed for microscopic examination of the patho-logical changes. Results Compared with group C, the serum DAO and TNF-α concentrations were signifi-cantly increased in OJ and D groups(P<0.05).Compared with group OJ, the serum DAO and TNF-α concentrations were significantly decreased in group D(P<0.05).The pathological changes were signifi-cantly attenuated in group D when compared with group OJ. Conclusion Dexmedetomidine can reduce the damage to intestinal mucous membrane of rats with obstructive jaundice.
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Objective To evaluate the protective effects of methylprednisolone combined with dexmedetomidine of cardiac valve replacement in patients with brain cognitive function under cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB).Methods Sixty patients for heart valve replacement in Affiliated Hospital.Inner Mongolia Medical University were randomly divided into four groups (n =15 each):group A control,methylprednisolone group (group M),dexmedetomidine group (Group D) and methylprednisolone combined with dexmedetomidine group (group B).After the induction of anesthesia,the patients were endotracheally intubated and mechanically ventilated.Methylprednisolone 20mg/kg was administered to the CPB circuit prime in group M.A loading dose of dexmedetomidine 1 μg/kg was pumped intravenously over 10 minutes after induction,followed by continuous infusion at 0.05μg/(kg · h) until the end of operation in group D.A loading dose of dexmedetomidine 1 μg/kg was pumped intravenously over 10 minutes after induction,followed by continuous infusion at 0.05μ g/(kg · h) until the end of operation and methylprednisolone 20mg/kg was also administered to the CPB circuit prime in group B.At the same time the equal volume of normal saline was given in group A.After induction (T1),CPB instantly (T2),CPB 30min (T3),l0min after CPB(T4),at the end of operation(T5),6h after CPB (T6),the jugular bulb venous blood samples were taken for testing the serum concentrations of interleukin-6 (IL-6),interleukin-10 (IL-10),S100βprotein and neuron-specific enolase (NSE) using the method of ELISA.Simplified mini-mental state examination (MMSE) is used to assess the cognitive function of patients in pre-operation and 2days,3days as well as 7days after operation.Results At T1-6,IL-6,S100 protein and NSE in group M,group D and group B were significantly lower than those in control group,IL-10 was higher than that in control group,and there was significant difference (P ＜ 0.05).In B group at all time points IL-6 、S100 protein and NSE were lower than those in other groups,IL-10 was higher than other groups,and there was significant differences (P ＜ 0.05).The incidence of postoperative cognitive dysfunction in group M,group D and group B was higher than that in control group,and the incidence of cognitive dysfunction in B group was lowest,and there were significant differences (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion Methylprednisolone and dexmedetomidine can effectively reduce the concentration of IL-6,S100 protein and NSE in cardiopulmonary bypass,reduce brain injury and the incidence of postoperative cognitive dysfunction.The protective effect on cerebral injury is better when using dexmedetomidine combined with methylprednisolone under cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB).
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Objective To evaluate the effect of dexmedetomidine on liver injury in the rats with ob?structive jaundice. Methods Forty?five healthy male Sprague Dawley rats, weighing 250-300 g, aged 8-9 weeks, were divided into 3 groups ( n=15 each) using a random number table: sham operation group ( S group) , obstructive jaundice group ( OJ group) and dexmedetomidine group ( D group) . Obstructive jaun?dice was induced in rats by division and double ligation of the common bile duct in OJ and D groups. Dexmedetomidine 100 μg∕kg was injected intraperitoneally at 72 h after establishment of the model in group D. At 3, 5 and 24 h after administration, blood samples were collected from hearts for determination of the plasma alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and C?reactive protein (CRP) levels. After blood sampling at each time point, the specimens from the external right lobe of the liver were obtained for detection of the expres?sion of Toll?like receptor 4 ( TLR4) mRNA ( by real?time polymerase chain reaction) and TLR4 content ( by enzyme?linked immunosorbent assay) in liver tissues and for pathological examination of liver tissues ( with light microscope) . Results Compared with group S, the plasma ALT and CRP levels were significantly increased at each time point after administration, and the expression of TLR4 mRNA in liver tissues was significantly up?regulated, and TLR4 content in liver tissues was significantly increased in OJ and D groups ( P<0?05) . Compared with group OJ, the plasma ALT and CRP levels were significantly decreased at each time point after administration, and the expression of TLR4 mRNA in liver tissues was significantly down?regulated, and TLR4 content in liver tissues was significantly decreased in group D ( P<0?05) . The degree of damage to liver tissues was significantly attenuated in group D compared with group OJ, and was aggrava?ted in group D compared with group S. Conclusion Dexmedetomidine can reduce liver injury in the rats with obstructive jaundice.
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Objective To investigate the relationship between anesthetic factors and intestinal injury in the patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB).Methods Ninety American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status Ⅱ or Ⅲ patients of both sexes,aged 18-64 yr,with New York Heart Association grade Ⅱ or Ⅲ,undergoing elective cardiac surgery with CPB,were divided into 2 groups (n =45 each) using a random number table:propofol-based anesthesia group (group P) and sevoflurane-based anesthesia group (group S).CPB was established routinely after anesthesia induction.Before induction (T0),immediately after aortic unclamping (T1),at 30 min after aortic unclamping (T2) and at 2 h after discontinuation of CPB (T3),blood samples were collected from the radial artery for determination of the plasma endotoxin,D-lactic acid,diamine oxidase (DAO) and intestinal fatty acid-binding protein (Ⅰ-FABP) concentrations (by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) and plasma interleukin-6 (IL-6),IL-8 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-o) concentrations (using radio-immunity method).Results Compared with the baseline at T0,the concentrations of plasma endotoxin,D-lactic acid,DAO,TNF-α,IL-6,IL-8 and I-FABP were significantly increased at T1-T3 in both groups (P＜0.05).Compared with group P,the concentrations of plasma endotoxin,D-lactic acid,DAO,TNF-α,IL-6,IL-8 and I-FABP were significantly decreased at T1-T3 in group S (P＜0.05).Conclusion Anesthetic factors are related to intestinal injury in patients undergoing cardiac surgery with CPB.Compared with propofol-based anesthesia,sevoflurane-based anesthesia is helpful in reducing the inflammatory response and in decreasing the degree of intestinal injury and is more suitable for the cardiac surgery with CPB.
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Objective To investigate the effects of ABO blood group factors on erythrocyte suspension ( RCS) transfusion reactions in patients. Methods TestⅠA total of 12 600 patients in whom RCS was transfused during operation at the department of anesthesiology of 11 hospitals of Inner Mongolia from January 2006 to January 2014 were selected. The occurrence of transfusion reactions ( fever [ an increase in body temperature>1 ℃ than that before transfusion] , allergy, hemolysis) was recorded in the patients. Test Ⅱ A total of 120 RCS?transfused patients of both sexes, aged 18-55 yr, weighing 45-75 kg, of American Society of Anesthesiologists physical statusⅠ or Ⅱ, who underwent surgical operation, were divided into 4 groups ( n=30 each) according to the blood group: blood group A group ( group A) , blood group B group ( group B ) , blood group O group ( group O ) and blood group AB group ( group AB) . The standard for RCS transfusion was defined as hemoglobin ( Hb) 10 g∕L. Before induction of anesthesia ( T1 ) , before blood transfusion ( T2 ) , and at 5 min, and 1, 6 and 24 h after blood transfusion ( T3?6 ) , blood samples were collected from the central vein for determination of the plasma tumor necrosis factor?alpha ( TNF?α) , interleukin?4 ( IL?4 ) and IL?10 concentrations by enzyme?linked immunosorbent assay. Results Among the 12 600 RCS?transfused patients, 216 cases developed transfusion reactions, and the incidence of transfusion reactions was 1.714%. For the patients of different blood groups, the incidence of transfusion reactions from the high to the low was blood group B, blood group AB, blood group A, and blood group O in turn ( P<0. 05 or 0.01) . Compared with group B, the plasma TNF?α and IL?10 concentrations were significantly decreased, and the plasma IL?4 concentrations were increased at T3?T6 in the other three groups ( P<0.05) . Compared with group AB, the plasma TNF?α and IL?10 concentrations were significantly decreased, and the plasma IL?4 concentrations were increased at T3?T6 in A and O groups (P<0.05). Compared with group O, the plasma TNF?α and IL?10 concentrations were significantly decreased, and the plasma IL?4 concentrations were increased at T3?T6 in group A ( P<0. 05 ) . Conclusion ABO blood group factors affect RCS transfusion reactions in the patients, and the incidence of transfusion reactions from the high to the low is blood group B, blood group AB, blood group A, and blood group O in turn.
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Objective To investigate the effects of ABO blood group factors on postoperative cognitive function in elderly patients.Methods One hundred twenty patients, aged 65-75 yr, with body mass index of 17-26 kg/m2, of American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status Ⅰ or Ⅱ , scheduled for elective thoracic surgery, were divided into 4 groups (n =30 each) according to the blood group: blood group A group (group A), blood group B group (group B), blood group O group (group O) and blood group AB group (group AB).Combined general-epidural anesthesia was used during surgery, patient-controlled epidural analgesia was performed after surgery, and visual analogue scale score was maintained ≤4.Before surgery (T0), and at 6, 24 and 72 h after surgery (T1-3), Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) was used to assess the cognitive function, and the occurrence of postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) was recorded.Blood samples were drawn from the central vein at T0-3 for determination of neuron-specific enolase (NSE) and S-100β protein concentrations in serum.Results Compared with the values at T0, MMSE scores were significantly decreased, and serum NSE and S-100β concentrations were increased at T1-3 in A, B and AB groups, and at T1 and T2 in group O (P＜0.05).Compared with group A, MMSE scores were significantly increased, and serum NSE and S-100β concentrations were decreased at T1-3 in B, AB and O groups (P＜0.05).Compared with group O, MMSE scores were significantly decreased, and serum NSE and S-100β concentrations were increased at T1.3 in B and AB groups (P＜0.05).There was no significant difference in MMSE scores and serum NSE and S-100β concentrations at T1-3 between group B and group AB (P＞0.05).The incidence of POCD from the high to the low was group A, group AB, group B, and group O in turn (P＜0.05 or 0.01).Conclusion ABO blood group factors affect postoperative cognitive function in elderly patients, elderly patients of blood group A are found to be prone to develop POCD, and the incidence of POCD is relatively low for elderly patients of blood group O.
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Objective To compare the effects of dexmedetomidine and propofol on intestinal ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury in rats.Methods Forty male SPF Wistar rats, aged 2-3 months, weighing 185-230 g, were randomized into 4 groups (n=10 each) using a random number table: sham operation group (S group), intestinal I/R group (I/R group), propofol group (P group) and dexmedetomidine group (D group).Intestinal I/R was produced by occlusion of the superior mesenteric artery for 20 min followed by reperfusion.In P and D groups, propofol 10 mg/kg and dexmedetomidine 5 μg/kg were injected, respectively, via the femoral vein at 20 min before occlusion.At the end of 2 h reperfusion, the blood samples were collected from the inferior vena cava for determination of serum diamine oxidase (DAO) activity.A segment of the intestine of 5 cm in length was removed for microscopic examination with light microscope.The degree of damage to intestinal mucous membrane was scored according to Chiu.Results Compared to S group, the activity of DAO and Chiu' s score were significantly increased in I/R, P and D groups.Compared to I/R group, the activity of DAO and Chiu' s score were significantly decreased in P and D groups.Compared to P group, the activity of DAO and Chiu' s score were significantly decreased in group D.Conclusion Anesthetic dose of dexmedetomidine pretreatment reduces intestinal I/R injury in rats, and the effect is superior to that produced by propofol.
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Objective To evaluate the effects of ABO blood group factors on perioperative coagulation in patients following epidural anesthesia.Methods One hundred and twenty ASA I or Ⅱ patients,aged 30-50 yr,weighing 50-75 kg,scheduled for elective operations expected to cause small volume of blood loss during operation under epidural anesthesia,were divided into 4 groups according to the blood group (n =30 each):blood group A group (A group),blood group B group (B group),blood group AB group (AB group) and blood group O group (O group).Blood samples were taken from the central vein before anesthesia (baseline,T1),at 30 min after beginning of operation (T2),at the end of operation (T3),and at 1,8 and 24 h after operation (T4-6) for determination of prothrombin time (PT),activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT),fibrinogen (Fib) concentration,thrombin time (TT),prothrombin activity (PTA),hematocrit (Hct),and platelet (Plt) count.Results The parameters of coagulation were within the normal range at T1-6 in each group.Compared with the baseline value at T1,Fib concentration was significantly decreased,and PT,TT and APTT were increased at T2-6 in O group (P ＜0.05),however,no significant change in all parameters was found at T2-6 in the other three groups (P ＞ 0.05).Fib concentration was significantly lower,and PT,APTT and TT were longer at T1-6 in O group than in A,B and AB groups (P ＜ 0.05 or 0.01).Conclusion Although perioperative coagulation is in the normal range under epidural anesthesia in patients of different ABO blood groups,the coagulation is decreased in patients of blood group O as compared with the other blood groups.
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Objective To evaluate the efficacy of parecoxib sodium for prevention of post-thoracotomy pain syndrome.Methods Ninety ASA physical status Ⅰ or Ⅱ patients,aged 40-64 yr,weighing 50-80 kg,scheduled for elective thoracotomy,were equally and randomly divided into 3 groups using a random number table:control group (group C) and two different treatments with parecoxib sodium groups (P1 and P2 groups).At 20 min before skin incison,parecoxib sodium 40 mg was injected intravenously in P1 and P2 groups,while the equal volume of normal saline was given in group C.An increment of parecoxib sodium 40 mg was given every 12 h for 6 times after surgery in group P2.General anesthesia combined with epidural anesthesia was used during surgery and patient-controlled epidural analgesia was used for postoperative analgesia in the three groups.Morphine was used as rescue analgesic to maintain VAS score ≤ 3.The consumption of morphine within 72 h after operation,development of adverse effects and development and duration of pain (VAS score ＞ 3) within 6 months after operation were recorded.The blood coagulation was measured at 72 h after operation.Results Morphine was not used within 72 h after operation in P2 group.The abnormality of blood coagulation at 72 h after operation was not observed in the three groups.Compared with group C,no significant changes were found in the incidence and duration of pain within 6 months after operation in P1 group (P ＞ 0.05),the incidence of pain was significantly decreased and duration of pain was shortened within 6 months after operation in P2 group,and the incidence of nausea,vomiting and pruritus was decreased in P1 and P2 groups (P ＜ 0.05 or 0.01).The incidence of nausea,vomiting and pruritus was significantly lower in P2 group than in P1 group (P ＜ 0.01).Conclusion Continuous application of parecoxib sodium for 72 h can decrease the development of post-thoracotomy pain syndrome without increasing the incidence of adverse effects.
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Objective To investigate the effect of methylprednisolone pretreatment on cardiopulmonary bypass(CPB)-induced intestinal barrier injury in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.Methods Ninety NYHA Ⅰor Ⅱ patients,aged 30-50 yr,weighing 50-75 kg,scheduled for elective cardiac surgery with CPB,were randomly divided into 3 gnoups(n =30 each):control group without CPB(group Ⅰ),control group with CPB(group Ⅱ)and administration of methylprednisolone before CPB group(group Ⅲ).Anesthesia was induced with midszolam,fentanyl,etomidate and rocuronium and maintained with intravenous infusion of propofol and intermittent iv boluses of fentanyl and rocuronium.The patients were mechanically ventilated after tracheal intubation.In group Ⅲ,methylprednisolone 10 mg/kg was injected intravenously before operation and CPB.While in groups Ⅰ and Ⅱ,the equal volume of normal saline was injected instead.The blood samples were taken from the central vein before induetion of anesthesia(T1),before CPB(T2),at 30 min after the beginning of CPB(T3),at 30 rin afier the end of CPB(T4)and at 120 min after operation(T5)for determination of the plasma endotoxin concentration.Infection was recorded within 7 days after operation.Results The plasma endotoxin concentrations at T1 were within the normal range in all groups,without significant difference among the three gnoups(P ＞0.05).The plasma endotoxin concentration at T3-5 and incidence of postoperative infection in group Ⅲ were significantly lower than those in group Ⅱ,while higher than those in group Ⅰ(P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion Methylprednisolone pretreatment can reduce CPB-induced impairment of the intestinal harrier function in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.
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Objective To examine if high-dose glucocorticoid has any cerebral protective effects aftercardiopulmonary resuscitation. Methods Twenty-one healthy mongrel dogs of both sexes weighing 10 .5-15 kg weresubjected to cerebral ischemia using Pittsburgh standard ventricular fibrillation-cardiac arrest (VF-CA) model. Theanimals were anesthetized with intraperitoneal pentobarbital sodium 30 mg?kg~(-1) and mechanically ventilated thertracheal intubation (V_T 15 ml?kg~(-1), RR 18-20 bpm). Right femoral vein was cannulated for fluid administration(lactated Ringer's solution 0. 15 ml?kg~(-1)?min~(-1)) and right femoral artery was cannulated for BP monitoring. ECGwas continuously monitored. The animals were randomly divided into 3 groups: group A received only routineresuscitation treatment (control, n = 5); group B received dexamethasone 5 mg?kg~(-1) (n = 8) and group Cmethylprednisolone 30 mg?kg~(-1) (n = 8) after successful cardiopulmonary resuscitation. 8 hours after resuscitationthe animals were anesthetized and three pieces of brain tissue were obtained from right parietal lobe for light andelectron microscopic examination and determination of dopamine (DA) and 5-hydroxy-tryptamine (5-HT) contentsusing high-performance liquid chromatography- electrochemical technique (HPLC- ECD ). Results The DA and 5 -HT contents in parietal lobe of cortex were significantly decreased in group B and C as compared with group A (P