Effects of propofol and thiopentone on polymorphonuclear leukocyte functions in vitro

Abstract

Anesthetic agents may impair host defense mechanisms including polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMNL) function. We have studied the effects of thiopentone and propofol in low (thiopentone 10 mg/L, propofol 2 mg/l) and high (thiopentone 40 mg/L, propofol 6 mg/L) clinically relevant concentrations on PMNL adherence, chemotaxis, phagocytosis and killing in vitro. The results demonstrated that thiopentone in both concentrations significantly decreases all PMNL functions tested and had a direct influence on the PMNLs in terms of their chemotactic response. In contrast, propofol decreases significantly only PMNL chemotaxis but not adherence, phagocytosis and killing. The effect of propofol was not attributable to the lipid carrier vehicle, as Intralipid with same formulation had no effect on PMNL function. We conclude that propofol is a relatively safe agent from the viewpoint of PMNL function in vitro, which may be of potential clinical benefit.

Effects of Propofol and Midazolam on the Inflammation of Lungs after Intravenous Endotoxin Administration in Rats

“…Moudgil, Krunholz, Weiss and Skoultelia found that the phagocytosis and chemotaxis functions of neutrophils were suppressed when exposed to in vitro anaesthetics. As a result of decreased production of oxygen radicals, the intracellular killing process of bacteria is inhibited [15][16][17][18][19].…”

Electromyographic response of facial nerve stimulation under different levels of neuromuscular blockade during middle-ear surgery

“…In addition, propofol produces a favourable sense of wellbeing in the patient. [31][32][33] Remifentanil is a synthetic opioid, with potent and selective m-opioid receptor agonist activity, that is rapidly metabolized in the blood and tissue, with an elimination half-life of $9 min. 34 Remifentanil was used in the present study as it has been used successfully in withoutmuscle relaxants anaesthesia, and maintains a stable haemodynamic state during surgery.…”

Thiopental inhibits migration of human leukocytes through human endothelial cell monolayers in vitro

“…The influence of anesthetic drugs on leukocytes is well documented [5][6][7][8][9][10][11]. Nishina et al [10] have recently reported that thiopental is able to inhibit leukocyte functions, This group has investigated leukocyte chemotaxis in a Boyden chamber assay (i. e. without endothelial cells).…”