Research Information System
Anestezi Dergisi, vol.15, no.4, pp.228-234, 2007 (Scopus)
Objective: This study was aimed to investigate whether the addition of midazolam to the intrathecal administration of ropivacaine in rats affects analgesic activity or has a histopathological effect on the spinal cord. Methods: Group Sham: All surgical processes were carried out except catheter insertion; Group S: 10 μL of 0,9% saline was administered through the catheter; Group R: 10 μL ropivacaine including 50 μg was administered through the catheter; Group M: 10 μL midazolam including 20 μg was administered through the catheter; Group MR: 10 μL of midazolam and ropivacaine mixture (with 20 μg midazolam and 50 μg ropivacaine) was administered through the catheter. Tail-flick and rotarod tests were performed at 10, 20, 30, 45, 60, and 90 mins after drug injection. The cross-sections obtained from the spinal cords of the rats were histopathologically evaluated. Results: The tail flick test mean values in group R, group M and group MR were significantly longer than in group S (p<0.05). In the comparison of group R with groups M and MR, the mean values of group MR were found to be significantly long (p<0.05). The rotarod test mean values of group M and group MR were found to be significantly low (p<0.05). No statistical histopathologic significance was found in any of the groups (p>0.05). Conclusion: The analgesic property of ropivacaine when administered intrathecally was augmented by intrathecally administered midazolam without producing any histopathological neurotoxicity.