Objective To investigate the effects of methylprednisolone on the release of cytokines in patients after successful cardiopulmonary resuscitation(CPR).Method Thirty patients after CPR with restoration of spontaneous circulation(ROSC)were randomly divided into two groups:group A(methylprednisolone group,n=14)and group B(control group,n=16)during the period from May 2005 through May 2007.The patients of group were treated with methylprednisolone 3 mg/kg by intravenously twice a day after ROSC.The levels of serum tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),interleukin-1β(IL-1β),interleukin-6(IL-6),interleukin-8(IL-8),interleukin-10 (IL-10)were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)before CPR,and 24,48,72 hours and 7 days after ROSC.The data were analyzed studentis t test and chi-gquare test.A P value less than 0.05 indicated significant difference.Results There was on significant difference in the mean time from cardiac arrest to return of spontaneous circulation,and the levels of serum cytokines between the two groups before CPR(P＞0.05).In comparisorl with group B,the levels of serum TNF-α,IL-1β,IL-6,IL-8 decreased markedly at 24 and 48 hour after ROSC in group A(P＜0.05-0.01),and the levels of serum IL-8 decreased markedly at 72 hours after ROSC in groupA(P＜0.05).Thelevels of serum TNF-α,IL-1β,IL-6,IL-8 were not of significant differences between the two groups at 7 hys after ROSC(P＞0.05).There was no significant difference in the levels of serum IL-10between the two groups at different time points after ROSC(P＞0.05).Conclusions Methylprednisolone plays a role of preventive effects on patients with ROSC after PCR through decreasing the levels of serum TNF-α,IL-1β,IL-6,IL-8.