Effect of Propofol on Human Neutrophil Apoptosis in vitro

Purpose: Propofol is clinically used for anesthesia and sedation. It remains unclear whether propofol induces human neutrophil apoptosis. We sought to determine the effect of propofol on neutrophil apoptosis in vitro . Methods: Peripheral neutrophils from healthy v olunteers were treated with different concentrations of propofol (0, 5, and 50 μg/ml). Apoptosis and the mitochondrial trans membrane potential (MTP) were detected by fluorescence microscopy after Hoechst 33342 and JC - 1 staining. Caspase activity was measu red using luminescent substrates. Results: A high concentration (50 μg/ml) of propofol significantly increased apoptosis, reduced MTP, and enhanced caspase - 9 and caspase - 3/7 activities. The addition of an MTP stabilizer and caspase - 9 and - 3 inhibitors dec reased propofol - induced apoptosis. Caspase - 8 activity was not affected by 50 μg/ml of propofol and propofol - induced apoptosis was not suppressed by the caspase - 8 inhibitor. A clinically relevant concentration (5 μg/ml) of propofol did not affect apoptosis rate, MTP and caspase activities. Conclusion: Propofol at the clinical relevant concentrations had no effect on neutrophil apoptosis, although a high dose of propofol increased rate of apoptosis. The mechanism of propofol - induced apoptosis is involved with the mitochondrial pathway.