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Updated: Jun 15, 2026
A Recovery Cardiopulmonary Bypass Model Without Transfusion or Inotropic Agents in Rats
Published on: March 23, 2018
Effects of terbutaline on circulatory failure and organ dysfunction induced by peritonitis in rats
Cheng-Ming Tsao1, Shiu-Jen Chen, Ming-Chung Shih
1Department of Anesthesiology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital and National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC.
Objective:
The pathogenesis of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) in septic shock is mainly caused by maldistribution of tissue perfusion and the amplification of inflammatory responses, which may be modulated by beta(2)-adrenoceptor agonists. We evaluated and compared effects of terbutaline on MODS in a cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) model of sepsis.
Design And Setting:
Prospective controlled animal study in a university laboratory.
Methods:
Male adult Wistar rats received CLP or sham operation followed by the administration of saline or terbutaline (0.3 mg/kg i.v. at 3 and 9 h after CLP).
Measurements And Results:
At 0, 9 and 18 h after CLP, the changes of hemodynamics, organ function indexes, as well as the plasma interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) and nitrite/nitrate levels were examined. At 18 h after CLP, animals were killed and their lungs, livers and kidneys were immediately excised to analyze superoxide anion (O(2) (-)) levels and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression. These organs were also evaluated by pathological study. Terbutaline significantly (1) prevented delayed hypotension and reduced hepatic and renal dysfunction, (2) diminished plasma IL-1beta and nitrite/nitrate, lung iNOS expression, tissue O(2) (-) level and the infiltration of neutrophils in the lung and the liver, and (3) improved the 18-h survival rate.
Conclusions:
Terbutaline may be developed as an alternative treatment for severe sepsis-induced MODS. The protective effect of terbutaline seems to be through inhibition of proinflammatory mediators and attenuation of oxidant production.
Insights
Terbutaline administration improved survival in a sepsis model by reducing organ dysfunction and inflammation. This beta(2)-adrenoceptor agonist may offer a new treatment for severe sepsis-induced multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS).
Area of Science:
- Sepsis and critical care medicine
- Pharmacology and therapeutics
- Immunology and inflammation
Background:
- Sepsis-induced multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) is driven by maldistributed perfusion and amplified inflammatory responses.
- Beta(2)-adrenoceptor agonists may modulate these pathological processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate and compare the effects of terbutaline on MODS in a rodent model of sepsis.
Main Methods:
- Male Wistar rats underwent cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) or sham operation.
- Rats received either saline or terbutaline (0.3 mg/kg i.v. at 3 and 9 h post-CLP).
- Hemodynamics, organ function, inflammatory markers (IL-1beta, nitrite/nitrate), oxidative stress (superoxide anion), iNOS expression, and histopathology were assessed.
Main Results:
- Terbutaline prevented delayed hypotension and reduced hepatic and renal dysfunction.
- It diminished plasma IL-1beta, nitrite/nitrate, lung iNOS expression, and tissue superoxide anion levels.
- Terbutaline decreased neutrophil infiltration in the lungs and liver and improved 18-h survival rates.
Conclusions:
- Terbutaline demonstrated protective effects against sepsis-induced MODS in a rat model.
- Its benefits appear to stem from inhibiting proinflammatory mediators and reducing oxidative stress.
- Terbutaline shows potential as an alternative treatment for severe sepsis-induced MODS.
