ABSTRACT
The aim of this study is to research the neurocognitive, neuroprotective and analgesic effects of the memantine in diabetic rats after anaesthesia. Postoperative cognitive dysfunction is a frequent complication after anaesthesia. Although the reason of this hasn’t been explained completely, there are numerous risk factors such as the increase of cognitive dysfunction during postoperative period. Being in older age, coexisting diseases, etc. are among these risk factors. Propofol, one of the anaesthetic agents, is an agent causing the postoperative cognitive dysfunction.Memantine has beneficial effects on memory deficits and learning process. Additionally, it is an agent which also has neuroprotective effects, and is used for the treatment of chronic pain syndromes. In this study, we aim to determine its effects on recovery, cognitive functions and pain of memantine after propofol anaesthesia.
Thirty Wistar rats were divided into 5 groups randomly. 0,9 % NaCl (1ml i.p.) were given to Group C on 31st day after normal nutrition period during 30 days. 0,9 % NaCl (1ml i.p.) was given to Group DC on 31st day after normal nutrition period during 30 days. 0,9 % NaCl (1ml i.p.) was given to Group DM on 31st day after oral memantine treatment (20 mg/kg/day) during 30 days. Propofol (150 mg/kg i.p.) was given to Group DP on 31th day after normal nutrition period during 30 days. Propofol (150 mg/kg i.p.) was given to Group DPM on 31th day after oral memantine treatment (20 mg/kg/day) during 30 days. Recovery, cognitive function and the pain level of the rats are evaluated with “tail pinch”, “Radial Arm Maze” and “hot-plate” respectively.
Recovery durations of the rats in Group DMP were shorter than rats in Group DP (p< 0,0001). Hot-plate values were significantly longer than control values in all groups, except for Group C, when compared in-group (p<0,05).
In conclusion, this study showed that memantine has beneficial effects on recovery, cognitive functions and pain after propofol anaesthesia in diabetic rats.
