Effects of halothane, isoflurane, and sevoflurane on lipid peroxidation following experimental closed head trauma in rats

Background: In a rat closed head trauma model we examined both the time course of lipid peroxidation and the effects of halothane, isoflurane, and sevoflurane on it by analysis of malondialdehyde (MDA) formation. Methods: Animals were divided randomly into five groups: sham-operated (SO), n=18; control-closed head trauma to left frontal pole, n=18; closed head trauma model+halothane, n=18; closed head trauma model+isoflurane, n=18; and closed head trauma model+sevoflurane, n=18. Halothane, isoflurane, or sevoflurane were applied 15 min after trauma for 30 min. Rats were euthanized 1,3, and 5 h after the inhalation agents. Brain tissue samples were taken 5 mm from the left and right frontal poles. MDA was considered to reflect the degree of lipid peroxidation. Results: MDA concentrations were greater in the control, halothane, sevoflurane, and isoflurane groups than in SO animals (P < 0.001). No statistical difference between the hemispheres was found between the halothane, isoflurane, or sevoflurane groups, but MDA levels were lower with isoflurane than in the halothane, sevoflurane, and control groups at 1, 3, and 5 h (P < 0.001). MDA levels were higher as compared with the halothane and sevoflurane groups at 1 h but not at 3 or 5 h (P < 0.001). Conclusion: MDA levels with the isoflurane group were lower than in the other trauma groups, which suggest that isoflurane, given after closed head trauma, might be protective against lipid peroxidation of cerebral injury.