Discussion
Our findings suggest that Riluzole can potentially reduce the effects of IRI on skeletal muscle. This is potentially due to the ability of Riluzole to block sodium channels, decreasing action potentials and therefore glutamate release. It also acts to decrease intracellular calcium levels, which prevents apoptosis. Riluzole is a promising drug for the prevention of IRI in skeletal muscle, but further research is required.
Methods
Twenty-two pigs were randomly divided into groups. Riluzole was administered before ligation of the femoral artery to produce ischaemia in the tibialis anterior muscle in the experimental group but not the control group. The microscopic appearance of muscles were recorded, a TUNEL assay was used to identify DNA damage and glutathione levels were measured.
Results
In the Riluzole group, muscle fibres appeared less wavy and less oedematous compared to the control group. The Riluzole group also had less evidence of DNA fragmentation on the TUNEL assay. The glutathione levels in the Riluzole group were also significantly greater than the control group.