Effects of a combination of remifentanil and desflurane or sevoflurane on hemodynamic fluctuations during electrical stimulation of the mental nerve in rabbits

We aimed to investigate the effects of desflurane (Des), sevoflurane (Sevo), and remifentanil (Remi) on the modulation of hemodynamic responses under 10-Hz electrical stimulation of the mental nerve in rabbits, which yields both hypertensive and hypotensive responses. Male Japan White rabbits (n=10, weight approximately 2.5 kg) were used. The systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) of the animals before and after electrical stimulation of the mental nerve was observed at baseline and after administration of Sevo or Des and Remi. The magnitude of the blood pressure (BP) decrease and increase following electrical stimulation were observed. The BP hypotensive response was suppressed by Remi at 0.8 μg/kg/min; contrastingly, it was potentiated by Des and Sevo. The potentiating effect of Des or Sevo on the hypotensive response was counteracted by remifentanil. The suppression of the hypertensive response by Sevo 0.4 MAC was attenuated by the concomitant use of Remi 0.4 μg/kg/min. The hypertensive response was suppressed by Des, Sevo, and Remi. The combination of Des or Sevo with Remi suppressed hypertensive response. These results suggest that combined administration of Des or Sevo with Remi suppressed both hypotensive and hypertensive responses to electrical stimulation of the mental nerve in a well-balanced manner and stabilized the hemodynamics in rabbits.