Effect of subarachnoid nerve block anesthesia on glutamate transporter GLAST and GLT-1 expressions in rabbits

ObjectiveTo observe the effect of subarachnoid nerve block anesthesia on glutamate transporter glutamate-aspartate transporter (GLAST) and GLT-1 expressions in rabbits, and to investigate the effect of peripheral nerve anesthesia on the morphology and function of the spinal cord.MethodsTwenty healthy New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into two groups: the experimental group and control group; with 10 rabbits in each group. For spinal nerve anesthesia, 5 g/L of bupivacaine was used in the experimental group, and sterile saline was used in the control group. After 30 min of cardiac perfusion, GLAST and GLT-1 protein expression in spinal neurons were detected by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence staining.ResultsGLAST and GLT-1 protein-positive cells increased in neurons in the experimental group, compared with the control group (P < 0.05).ConclusionsAfter subarachnoid nerve block anesthesia, rabbit glutamate transporter GLAST and GLT-1 expression is increased; and spinal cord nerve cell function is inhibited.