Effects of post-conditioning with sevoflurane on the expressions of intestinal AQP8 and I-FABP in pigs with hemorrhagic shock

Objective　To observe the effects of sevoflurane post-conditioning on the expression of Aquaporin 8 (AQP8) and intestinal fatty acid binding protein (I-FABP), in order to investigate the protective role of sevoflurane post-conditioning on intestinal injury and its underlying mechanism. Methods　Eighteen bama miniature pigs were randomly divided into three groups (6 each) using a random number table: control group (S group), hemorrhagic shock group (HS group), and sevoflurane post-coditioning group (Post/ Sev group). Experimental animals were fasted for 8 hours before surgery, and propofol 3mg/kg was given viathe ear vein. Endotracheal intubation was done when the animal fell asleep. Bloodletting from the femoral artery after anesthesia was done to reproduce hemorrhagic shock. In Post/Sev group, 2% sevoflurane was given by inhalation for 30min (post-conditioning) after successful reproduction of the model. Blood samples were collected prior to anesthesia (T0) and 30min (T1), 1h (T2), 1.5h (T3), 2h (T4), 3h (T5), 4h (T6) after hemorrhagic shock. The quantity of blood I-FABP and intestinal AQP8 levels were determined with ELISA. Water content in the intestinal tissue was determined by wet and dry weight method. Histopathological changes in the intestinal tissue were observed with HE staining. Results　Compared with the control group, the serum I-FABP content, the expressions of intestinal AQP8, and water content in the intestinal tissue were significantly increased in HS group and Post/Sev (P<0.05) group. Compared with HS group, the above indices in Post/Sev group were significantly lower (P<0.05). These results were confirmed by pathological examination. Conclusion　Postconditioning with sevoflurane could improve, to some extent, pig's intestinal barrier function in hemorrhagic shock, and this effect is likely related with lowering of intestinal AQP8 and I-FABP expression and mucosal edema. DOI: 10.11855/j.issn.0577-7402.2015.11.11