The Effect of Remifentanil, MgSO4, or Remifentanil-MgSO4 as Neuroprotectors on BDNF, MAC, and Caspase-3 Levels in Wistar Rats with Traumatic Brain Injury

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) can lead to cell death and neurologic dysfunction. Meanwhile, Remifentanyl is an opioid with potent analgesia, while magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) has antinociceptive properties that can prevent hemodynamic instability during laryngoscopy. AIM: This study aims to examine the effect of remifentanil, MgSO4 and their combination on BDNF, MAC, and Caspase-3 levels in Wistar rat models with TBI. METHODOLOGY: An experimental study was conducted on 30 male Wistar rats which were randomly divided into five groups. The control group (G1) received normal saline, the induced group (G2) received normal saline after TBI induction using the modified Feeney method, and the treated group (G3, G4, and G5) received remifentanil, MgSO4, and their combination after TBI induction. The rats’ brain tissues were analyzed for BDNF, MAC, and Caspase-3 levels using ELISA. The data were analyzed statistically with ANOVA followed by post hoc Multiple Comparison Test (p < 0.05). RESULTS: Treatment with remifentanil, MgSO4 or the combination of both in TBI subjects reduced MAC and Caspase-3 but increased the BDNF level. The post hoc multiple comparisons showed significant differences in all groups except groups 3 and 5 in terms of MAC (p = 0.190) and Caspase-3 (p = 0.999). The combination of remifentanil-MgSO4 increased BDNF levels significantly. CONCLUSION: The administration of remifentanil, MgSO4 , or their combination can serve as a neuroprotector in Wistar rat models with TBI by lowering MAC and Caspase-3 as well as increasing BDNF levels.