Isoflurane-Sevoflurane Administration before Ischemia Attenuates Ischemia-Reperfusion-induced Injury in Isolated Rat Lungs

Background: The effects of volatile anesthetics on ischemia-reperfusion (IR)-induced lung injury are not clear. The authors investigated the effects of preadministration of isoflurane and sevoflurane on IR-induced lung injury in an isolated buffer-perfused rat lung model. Metbods: Isolated rat lungs were designated into four groups: control group (n = 6): perfusion for 120 min without ischemia; IR group (n = 6): interruption of perfusion and ventilation for 60 min followed by reperfusion for 60 min; sevoflurane (SEVO)-IR (n = 6) and isoflurane (ISO)-IR (n = 6) groups: 1 minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) isoflurane or sevoflurane was administered for 30 min, followed by 60 min ischemia, then 60 min reperfusion. The authors measured the coefficient of filtration (Kfc) of the lung, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity, tumor necrosis factor α, and nitric oxide metabolites (nitrite + nitrate) in the perfusate and the wet-to-dry lung weight ratio. Results: IR caused significant increases in the coefficient of filtration (approximately sevenfold at 60 min of reperfusion compared with baseline; P < 0.01), the wet-to-dry lung weight ratio, the rate of increase of lactate dehydrogenase activity, and tumor necrosis factor α in the perfusate, and caused a significant decrease in nitric oxide metabolites in the perfusate. Administration of 1 MAC isoflurane or sevoflurane before ischemia significantly attenuated IR-induced increases in the coefficient of filtration and the wet-to-dry lung weight ratio, inhibited increases in the rate of increase of lactate dehydrogenase activity and tumor necrosis factor a in the perfusate, and abrogated the decrease in nitric oxide metabolites in the perfusate. No difference was found between the SEVO-IR and ISO-IR groups. Conclusion: Isoflurane and sevoflurane administered before ischemia can attenuate IR-induced injury in isolated rat lungs.