Combination of epinephrine and esmolol meliorates pulmonary edema in ventricular fibrillation rabbit model

Objective:To investigate the effect of combination of esmolol and epinephrine on pulmonary edema,the concentration of troponin(cTnI) and the activity of malondialdehyde(MDA) after cardiopulmonary resuscitation(CPR) in rabbit model. Methods:Twenty six rabbits were allocated to three groups,alternating current(AC)-fibrillation model was performed.Group A(control group,only anesthesia,ventilation,and operation performed),Group B(0.01 mg/kg epinephrine) and Group C(0.01 mg/kg epinephrine with 0.2mg/kg esmolol).The ratio of lung wet-to-dry(W/D) weight was measured at 5 hours after CPR was performed,and the plasma level of cTnI and the activity of MDA were detected as well. Results:The ratio of W/D of group A,B and C increased at the 5th hour,cTnI and MDA after CPR,the differences were significant(P0.01-P0.05). Conclusions:Esmolol could reduce the myocardial injury and pulmonary edema in rabbit model after cardiac arrest.