title: Effects of propofol ('Diprivan') on histamine release, immunoglobulin levels and activation of complement in healthy volunteers.
abstract: This randomized study compared the effects of the emulsion formulation of propofol with those of the Cremophor-containing agent Althesin. Plasma histamine concentration, immunoglobulin levels, total complement C3 and complement C3 conversion were measured prior to and following induction of anaesthesia in 32 male volunteers with either 2 mg/kg propofol or 0.05 ml/kg Althesin. In only one volunteer, in the Althesin group, was an increase in plasma histamine to a value greater than 1 ng/ml associated with a relatively large increase over the base line value. Cutaneous signs, such as flushing, did not correlate with the plasma concentrations of histamine. No changes consistent with a propensity to produce anaphylactoid reactions could be seen from measurements of immunoglobulin levels, complement C3 or plasma histamine concentration in the propofol treated subjects.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000530:Alfaxalone Alfadolone Mixture / Q000494:pharmacology; D000771:Anesthesia, Intravenous; D003167:Complement Activation / Q000187:drug effects*; D003176:Complement C3 / Q000032:analysis; D006632:Histamine / Q000097:blood*; D006801:Humans; D007136:Immunoglobulins / Q000032:analysis*; D008297:Male; D010636:Phenols / Q000494:pharmacology*; D015742:Propofol; D011897:Random Allocation; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D003176:Complement C3; D007136:Immunoglobulins; D010636:Phenols; D000530:Alfaxalone Alfadolone Mixture; D006632:Histamine; D015742:Propofol