Effect of remifentanil on toll-like receptor 4, NF-κB and IL-6 in rabbit myocardial ischemia/reperfusion model

ObjectiveTo investigate whether remifentanil induced cardioprotecting effect is associated with expression of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), nuclear factorκB (NF-κB) and serum interleukin −6 (IL-6).MethodsFifty rabbits were randomly divided into 5 groups (n=10) according to the treatment: sham operation group (group A), ischemia-reperfusion group (group B), low-dose remifentanil group (group C), mediate-dose remifentanil group (group D), and high-dose remifentanil group (group E). Myocardial TLR4 mRNA levels, NF-κBprotein expression and serum levels of IL−6 were observed in 120 min after reperfusion.ResultsThe myocardial expressions of TLR4 mRNA, NF-κBprotein and IL-6 level in sera of groups B, C, D and E were elevated compared with group A. However, remifentanil significantly reduced the levels of TLR4 mRNA, NF-κB protein expression and serum IL-6 in groups C, D and E compared with group B. There were remarkable differences between the groups (P<0.01).ConclusionsIntravenous remifentanil has protective effect against rabbit myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury. This effect may be associated with TLR4, NF-κB expressions on myocytes and serum level of IL-6 in a dose-dependent manner.