The effect of propofol on cytotoxicity and apoptosis of lipopolysaccharide-treated mononuclear cells and lymphocytes.
IV anesthetics may inhibit proper immune responses and further compromise an already depressed defense system. To assess the possible role of propofol on human immune function in sepsis, we studied cytotoxicity, and apoptosis of mononuclear cells (MNCs). Peripheral blood MNCs were preincubated in 1 microg/mL of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and then reincubated in different concentrations of propofol (1 microg/mL, 5 microg/mL, 10 microg/mL, or 50 microg/mL). To determine cytotoxicity, lactate dehydrogenase release was assayed by mixing MNCs (4 x 10(5)/100 microL) with K-562 tumor cells as target cells (1 x 10(4)/100 microL)(E: T ratio of 40:1). Apoptosis was determined by measuring the annexin positive cells using flow cytometry. Cytotoxicity and apoptosis of LPS-treated MNCs were unchanged by clinically acceptable concentrations of propofol (1 microg/mL, 5 microg/mL, and 10 microg/mL). However, significant differences were observed in cytotoxicity (P = 0.004) and apoptosis (P = 0.002) with propofol 50 microg/mL. By gating MNCs, we found that lymphocyte apoptosis was significantly increased at 50 microg/mL of propofol, but monocytes were unaffected (P = 0.02). In terms of cytotoxicity and apoptosis, propofol allowed MNCs to retain their cytotoxicity in septic conditions by protecting immune cells from apoptosis.


CONCLUSIONS
Propofol at acceptable therapeutic concentrations, and under experimentally contrived septic conditions, did not affect the cytotoxic activity of mononuclear cells or the apoptosis level of mononuclear cells, lymphocytes, and monocytes from peripheral blood.
Song
Ho-Kyung
HK
Department of *Anesthesiology and †Pediatrics, Our Lady of Mercy Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Inchon, South Korea.
Jeong
Dae Chul
DC
D000704:Analysis of Variance; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D006801:Humans; D007963:Leukocytes, Mononuclear / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D008070:Lipopolysaccharides / Q000633:toxicity*; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D015742:Propofol / Q000494:pharmacology*
D008070:Lipopolysaccharides; D015742:Propofol