Effects of tramadol on myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury

Objectives. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of tramadol on isolated rat hearts subjected to global ischemia-reperfusion injury. Design. Langerdorff perfused isolated rat hearts were subjected to 60 min of global ischemia following 60 min of reperfusion. In group I and III hearts were received tramadol before the onset of ischemia. Following the ischemic period, group II and III hearts were received tramadol infusion. Group I and IV hearts were subjected to saline at the same time point. The myocardial postischemic recovery was compared using hemodynamic, coronary flow, biochemical parameters from coronary effluent, and oxidative stress markers from heart tissue homogenates. Results. There were significant differences between tramadol and saline used groups in hemodynamic parameters. GPx values of groups I and III were significantly lower than group IV (p <0.05). SOD values of groups I, II and III were higher than group IV (p <0.05). LDH values of groups I and II were significantly lower than groups III and IV (p <0.05). Conclusion. Tramadol provides a cardioprotective effect against myocardial ischemia-reperfusion in isolated rat heart.