Combined effects of propofol and dexamethasone on rats with endotoxemia.
OBJECTIVE
To clarify the effect of combined treatment with propofol and dexamethasone on hemodynamics, organ injury, and survival rate in rats with endotoxemia.


METHODS
Randomized, prospective animal experiment.


METHODS
Academic research laboratory.


METHODS
Male Wistar rats.


METHODS
Rats were divided into five groups: a control group, a group of conscious rats infused with Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide, two groups of lipopolysaccharide rats treated with either propofol or dexamethasone, and a group of lipopolysaccharide rats with combined treatment of propofol and dexamethasone.


RESULTS
All hemodynamic and biochemical variables were measured during the 6-hr observation. Propofol plus dexamethasone attenuated hypotension and delayed hypoglycemia and metabolic acidosis caused by coadministration of E. coli lipopolysaccharide. In addition, propofol plus dexamethasone attenuated the lipopolysaccharide-induced multiple organ dysfunctions, such as lung, liver, and kidney. The increases in serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha, tissue nitric oxide, and superoxide anion levels were attenuated by propofol plus dexamethasone in lipopolysaccharide rats. Microscopic findings confirmed that propofol plus dexamethasone attenuated the substantial swelling and cell infiltration in lung and kidney caused by endotoxin. The 22-hr survival rate after endotoxin injection was markedly increased in lipopolysaccharide rats with combined treatment compared with the lipopolysaccharide rats (80% vs. 0%).


CONCLUSIONS
The combined treatment with propofol plus dexamethasone reduced mortality rate and attenuated organ injury in conscious rats treated with lipopolysaccharide. These protective effects may be associated with their anti-inflammatory capacity and antioxidant activity.
Tsao
Cheng-Ming
CM
Department of Anesthesiology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital and National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC.
Ho
Shung-Tai
ST
Liaw
Wen-Jinn
WJ
Chen
Ann
A
Wu
Chin-Chen
CC
D000818:Animals; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003907:Dexamethasone / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D019446:Endotoxemia / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D015742:Propofol / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D003907:Dexamethasone; D015742:Propofol