Isoflurane neuroprotection is dependent on post-ischemic hypothermia in rats subjected to severe global forebrain ischemia

ABSTRACT

The present study tested whether isoflurane neuroprotection is dependant on post-ischemic cooling. Two categories of rats were generated; each category was subdivided into four anesthetic conditions, Isoflurane, MK801[dizoclipine, N-methyl-D-aspartate antagonist], Isoflurane plus Mk801 and fentanyl nitrous oxide. Rats were exposed to severe global forebrain ischemia for ten minutes. In the first Category the post-ischemic temperature was not regulated, while in the second category the postischemic temperature was servo regulated for 24 hours through a chronically implanted radiotelemetered thermistor. In the first category marked neuroprotection was observed with Isoflurane, Mk801 and their combination relative to fentanyl N2O. In the second category however this protection has completely dissipated. The results of the current study are suggestive of thermal dependence of isoflurane neuroprotection