The Recent Effects Of Propofol On Brains Of Neonatal Rats

Objective To observe the recent effects of propofol on brains of neonatal rats and to explore the possible mechanisms.Methods 140 male Sprague Dawley rats aged 7 d were randomly divided into 4 groups (n=35 each). The rats in propofol groups were intraperitoneally injected with 50 mg/kg (B group), 100 mg/kg (C group) or 200 mg/kg (D group) propofol respectively, while the rats in control group (A group) were injected with no drugs. The neurodegeneration of hippocampus was observed by Fluoro-Jade B staining. The ultrastructure of hippocampal neurons was observed by transmission electron microscope. The expression of caspase-3, survivin and NF-κB in hippocampus was detected by semi-quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot technique.Results In control group, few Fluoro-Jade B positive neurons were found in all regions of hippocampus. However, Fluoro-Jade B positive neurons increased gradually in CA1, CA3 and dentate gyrus regions of B group, C group and D group. The structure of hippocampal neurons was normal in control group and B group, while nuclear blebbing, nuclear fragmentation, chromatin condensation and apoptotic bodies were found in C group and D group. Compared with that in control group, caspase-3 mRNA and protein were upregulated while survivin mRNA and protein were downregulated in D group. NF-κB mRNA and protein were downregulated in propofol groups.Conclusion Propofol may destroy the structure of hippocampal neurons by downregulating NF-κB and survivin while upregulating caspase-3.