Effects of morphine or ketamine in rats with asphyxial cardiac arrest: a pilot study

Abstract

Acute hypoxia results in uncontrolled release of glutamate and the consequent stimulation of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, which affects the whole ionic homeostasis and finally activates apoptosis of neurons. A potential therapeutic approach to prevent this sequence of events is a blockade of NMDA receptors. Meanwhile, in different models of acute hypoxia, activation of delta-opioid receptors demonstrates significant cardioand neuroprotective effects with a consequent increase in animal survival. Thus, we aimed to test the effects of Morphine or Ketamine on hemodynamics, acid-base status and early survival in rats after asphyxia cardiac arrest (ACA).