Figure 1.

Illustration of the experimental proceeding. Animals were randomized into four groups: the sham, physostigmine, neostigmine, and control groups. Neostigmine (75 μg/kg), physostigmine (100 μg/kg), and 0.9% saline (=control) were administered immediately, 6, 15, and 20 h after CLP induction. Blood samples (BS) were drawn immediately, 6, 15, 20, and 24 h after CLP/sham procedures. The animals were evaluated regularly (clinical appearance score, breathing rate). All surviving animals were euthanized after 24 h by decapitation, and their organs were isolated for histopathologic examination.