Effects of Shenfu Injection () on cerebral metabolism in a porcine model of cardiac arrest.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of Shenfu Injection (, SFI) on cerebral metabolism in a porcine model of cardiac arrest (CA).

METHODS: Thirty Wuzhishan minipigs were randomly assigned to the control group (n=6), epinephrine group (EP group, n=12) and Sfigroup (n=12). After 8 min of untreated ventricular fifibrillation (VF), pigs in the EP group or Sfigroup were administered with either EP (0.02 mg/kg) or Sfi(1.0 mL/kg), respectively. After successful resuscitation, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of glucose, pyruvate, lactate, glutamate and glycerol were measured at 1, 6, 12 and 24 h after recover from spontaneous circulation (ROSC). In addition, neurologic defificit score (NDS) was calculated at 24 h after ROSC. Surviving pigs were killed at 24 h after ROSC, and the brain tissue was obtained for ultra-microstructure examination.

RESULTS: Compared with the EP group, CSF glucose and pyruvate levels were higher (all P<0.01), and lactate levels were lower in the Sfigroup (P<0.01). Meanwhile, CSF glutamate and glycerol levels in the Sfigroup were lower in comparison to the EP group (all P<0.05). In addition, Sfidecreased NDS at 24 h after ROSC (P<0.01), and alleviated the histopathological damage of the brain.

CONCLUSIONS: Sficould alleviate brain injury after CA, which may be associated with improving cerebral metabolism.