ObjectiveTo investigate whether emulsified isoflurane applied after an ischemic episode induces postconditioning in an ischemia model of myocardial injury and its underlying mechanism. MethodsBetween March and October 2012, using a model of in situ myocardial ischemia and reperfusion injury in rats, cardioprotective effects of emulsified isoflurane were examined by determining infarct size, myocardial damage markers and the concentration of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α. ResultsEmulsified isoflurane postconditioning limited infarct size compared with control groups. It increased serum concentrations of superoxide dismutase while decreased malonaldehyde. TNF-α positive cells were also significantly reduced in emulsified isoflurane group compared with control group. Infusion of intralipid had no effect on infarct size or other variables. ConclusionIntravenous administration of emulsified isoflurane after reperfusion protects hearts against reperfusion injury, which may be mediated by the inhibition of cardiac damage markers and the concentration of TNF-α.