Objective: The aim of the study was to investigate the changes of oxidative and anti-oxidative systems in the splanchnic area during carbon dioxide pneumoperitoneum and to determine whether the administration of dexmedetomidine has effects on these systems. Methods: Forty rats were randomized into four groups: Group I; Control, Group II; No pneumoperitoneum, Dexmedetomidine administration, Group III; Pneumoperitoneum, no Dexmedetomidine administration and Group IV; Pneumoperitoneum and

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... midine administration 30 minutes before insufflation. The rats were rested 30 minutes after desufflation and blood samples were obtained for; ischaemia modified albumin (IMA), myeloperoxidase (MPO), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), catalase (CAT), paraoxonase (PON1) and platelet-activating factor acetylhydrolase (PAF-AH) analyses. Results: When compared with the control group; the serum IMA levels significantly decreased in group II, and also increased in group III as compared to control (p<0.05). IMA levels were also significantly decreased in both groups II and IV as compared to group III (p<0.001). Serum MPO activity increased in group III as compared to control (p<0.05). Serum AOPP levels were significantly increased in group III as compared to group II (p<0.01) and decreased in group IV as compared to group III (p<0.01). Serum CAT activity was higher in group II than controls (p<0.05). Serum PON and plasma PAF-AH activities significantly decreased in grup III as compared to group II (p<0.05) and plasma PAF-AH activity were decreased in group III as compared to controls (p<0.05). Conclusion: In conclusion, administration of dexmedetomidine; prior to ischemia reperfusion injury caused by pneumoperitoneum; reduces the oxidative injury and increases the antioxidant activity in the acute period.