Esmolol alleviates lipopolysaccharide-induced intestinal injuries by enhancing autophagy through the AMPK/mTOR/ULK1 pathway

BACKGROUND Beta-1 receptor blockade is well characterized for its protective effects against septic symptoms, and esmolol (ES) is a selective β1-adrenoceptor antagonist. AIM To assess the effects of ES on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced septic intestinal damage and explore the associated mechanism by focusing on the AMPK/mTOR/ULK1 pathway. METHODS Sepsis was induced via an intraperitoneal injection of LPS in male SD rats or LPS treatment in rat intestine epithelial cells. To assess their anti-s