Isoflurane prevents learning deficiencies caused by brief hypoxia and hypotension in adult Sprague Dawley rats.

CONTEXT: Hypotension causes histologic changes in the hippocampal CA1 area, while behavior remains unchanged. We believe that an even stronger insult may also cause behavioral changes.

OBJECTIVE: We used a rat hemorrhagic shock model plus temporary hypoxia to assess functional outcome at different time points post-injury. Our hypothesis is that the damage can be attenuated by the use of isoflurane.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Rats were subjected to brief hypotension. Animals were evaluated at different time points after receiving hypoxia and hypotension, with and without isoflurane treatment.

RESULTS: The administration of isoflurane after the insult protected the animals from memory alterations. No histopatologic changes were found in any of the groups.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: This observation suggests that in this model of hypotension plus hypoxia there is mild cerebral damage that is reflected by memory changes. Exposure to isoflurane after the insult can prevent the onset of memory deficits.