Impact of low-energy shock impulse on nitric oxide serum levels in healthy rabbits

Nitric oxide (NO) has emerged as a potent effector molecule for a post-resuscitation disease as a result of the low-energy defibrillation. In this article, the authors anlysed the changes of endogenous nitric oxide levels in serum of 35 healthy rabbits after the transthoracic application of low-energy two-phase shock impulse. The animals were randomised into four groups according to the electrical energy dose to be applied during the experiment. Life parameters of the animals were monitored using the BeneViev T5 patient monitor. The nitric oxide concentration in the groups was measured before, 15 and 360 minutes after applying the low-energy two-phase linear electrical impulse. From 15 to 360 minutes the decrease in nitric oxide concentration was observed. The effect was dependent on single impulse and accumulated energy volumes. The highest decrease of NO concentration was observed in 15 minutes following the application of two electrical impulses of accumulated energy of 8 J/kg/bm. After 360 minutes following the application, a significant increase in nitric oxide levels was recorded. The changes in the nitric oxide levels in the blood serum 15 minutes after the defibrillation may initiate the vasomotor disorders as a result of the low-energy influence of the shock impulse.