Abstract: Aim In this study, cytokines and end othelins were investigated to determine the changes of TNFα, IL- Ⅰβ and ET1 after brain ischemic reperfusion and the effects of phenytoin sodium on TNFα, IL-Ⅰβ and ET₁. Methods The animal models of the focal middle cerebral arteral is chemic reperfusion were established in Wistarrats. Phenytoin sodium was administered by intravenous injection. The plasma levels of TNFα, IL-Ⅰβ and ET₁ were measured by radioimmunoassay. Rusults The levels of TNFα, IL-Ⅰβ and ET₁ in plasma were elevated after 1 h brain ischemia and 1 h reperfusion in rats. Phenytoin sodium could significantly reduce the content of TNFα, IL-Ⅰβ and ET1 in plasma. Conclusion The results indicate that TNFα, IL-Ⅰβ and ET1 participate in cerebral ischemia reperfusion lesion, which can be reduced by phenytoin sodium. Phenytoin sodioum may protect nerve cells from injury through inhibiting TNFα, IL-Ⅰβ and ET₁ production.

Key words: phenytoin, brain ischemia, reperfusion injury, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα), interleukin-Ⅰ beta(IL-Ⅰβ), endothelins-Ⅰ(ET₁)