The influence of etomidate upon cerebral metabolites after complete brain ischaemia in the rat.

The influence of etomidate on post-ischaemic cerebral metabolism was examined in 1-year-old male Wistar rats. Ten rats were randomly allocated to each of three groups. Group 1 animals received etomidate for 60 min without undergoing cerebral ischaemia. In Group 2, there was a 60-min recovery period following 15 min of complete cerebral ischaemia. Etomidate was administered to Group 3 animals after 15 min of ischaemia. At the end of the study period, the brains were frozen in situ using liquid nitrogen. The cortex was then biochemically analysed. Considering glycolysis as well as the citric-acid cycle, the pattern of metabolite changes with etomidate application was almost identical to the pattern of spontaneous recovery. The content of energy-rich phosphates was reduced when Groups 2 and 3 were compared with the non-ischaemia group, indicating previous depletion of energy reserves of brain tissue. However, the energy charge as a parameter of energy balance had already been returned to normal values. We conclude that post-ischaemic application of etomidate has no favourable effect on recovery after complete cerebral ischaemia in the rat.