To investigate whether dexmedetomidine has anti-inflammatory brain protective effect after open brain injury in naval warfare.

Twelve New Zealand rabbits were selected and randomly divided into dexmedetomidine group (Dex group) and control group (Con group), with six rabbits in each group. The model of traumatic brain injury was established under diazepam anesthesia. The open wound of the experimental rabbit brain was washed with seawater in the South China Sea for 60 min. The rabbits in the Dex group were injected intraperitoneally with 50 mg/kg dexmedetomidine, and the Con group was given the same dose of normal saline. After administration of the sutured wound, the rabbits were sacrificed for 48 h. The brain tissue samples were taken for HE staining. Peripheral blood was collected to detect changes in interleukin 1β (IL-1β), interleukin 6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), and S100-β indicators by ELISA kits.

The traumatic brain cell edema in the Con group was mainly manifested by the obvious swelling of neurons and glial cell bodies, the original shape of the vertebral body could not be clearly identified, the nucleus was strongly stained, and there was a circular low staining or even a blank staining area around the nucleus; However, Dex group can significantly improve the above changes in all neurons damage and edema. The results of ELISA showed that compared with the Con group, the levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, and S100-β in the Dex group were significantly reduced, and the differences between the groups were statistically significant (P<0.05); While, there was no significant difference in IL-6 level between the two groups (P>0.05).

Anti-inflammatory and brain-protective effects of dexmedetomidine after seawater immersion in the South China Sea after open brain injury.