Abstract:Objective To investigate the effect of Dexmedetomidine on glutamate (Glu) release and NR1 expression in hippocampus on global cerebral ischemia-reperfusion rats. Methods Ninety male Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups; group S received sham operation; group I/R received ischemia-reperfusion; group D received Dexmedetomidine treatment before ischemia-reperfusion (n = 30). Global cerebral ischemia was induced according to Pulsinelli-Brierley method. In group D, Dexmedetomidine 3 μg/kg was injected through tail vein before ischemia, then 3 μg/(kg·h) with injection pump. Meanwhile equal volume saline administrated in group I/R animals. Combs was used to evaluate nerve function of rats; Glu levels were detected by HPLC in the rat hippocampus; NR1 expression in CA1 area was detected by immunohistochemistry method. Results Compared with group S, Balance beam and rope strength test scores in group I/R and D were significant decrease (P < 0.05), and the level of Glu and NR1 were increase significantly (P < 0.05). Compared with group I/R, Balance beam and rope strength test scores in group D were significant decreased (P < 0.05), and the level of Glu and NR1 were increased significantly (P < 0.05). Conclusion Dexmedetomidine can reduce the rat global cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury and improve the nerve function defect, and the mechanism is related to the inhibition of Glu release and down regulate NR1 expression.