The role of free radical scavenger on survival rate after endotoxemia in bile duct ligated rat

Background: Free radicals are involved in pathophysiology directly and indirectly in sepsis or endotoxemia. Obstructive jaundice may promote bacterial overgrowth with resultant endotoxemia or sepsis. The purposes of the studies are to test the protective effect of free radical scavenger in obstructive jaundice. Materials and methods: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized to three groups. Group I underwent common bile duct ligation and simultaneously be treated with edaravone (free radical scavenger). Group II underwent common bile duct ligation and simultaneously be treated with normal saline (vehicle). Group III underwent sham operation and simultaneously be treated with edaravone. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) were injected intraperitoneally the afternoon of third postoperative day. The survival rates after endotoxin challenge were recorded. Results: After endotoxin challenge, the 72 hour survival rates were 33.3%, 8.3% and 58.3% for group 1, 2 and 3 respectively after observation for 72 hours. Conclusion: Edaravone may improve the survival rates in bile duct ligated rats after endotoxin challenge.