Effects of propofol on early and late cytokines in lipopolysaccharide-induced septic shock in rats

OBJECTIVE: It has been reported that the intravenous anesthetic propofol (PPF) has anti-inflammatory effects in vitro and in patients. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether PPF has anti-inflammatory effects in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced septic shock by inhibiting the induction of pro-inflammatory cytokines [interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)] and high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) in rats. METHODS: Thirty six male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to one of three groups (control group, PPF + LPS group and LPS group; n = 12 per group). Control group rats received a 0.9% NaCl solution (NS) by the tail vein. The PPF + LPS group rats received PPF (10 mg/kg bolus, followed by infusion at 10 mg/(kg·h) through a femoral vein catheter) 1 h before LPS (7.5 mg/kg) administration via the tail vein. The LPS group rats received injection of LPS (7.5 mg/kg) via the tail vein. Hemodynamic effects were recorded as well as mortality rates, and plasma cytokine con-centrations (TNF-α, IL-6, HMGB1) were measured for the 24-h observation period. RESULTS: The mean arterial pressure and heart rate of the PPF + LPS group were more stable than those of the LPS group. The mortality at 24 h after the administration of the LPS injection was much higher in the LPS group (58.3%) compared to the PPF + LPS group (25.0%). Plasma concentrations of cytokines (IL-6 and TNF-α) and HMGB1 were significantly reduced in the PPF + LPS group compared to the LPS group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Pretreatment with PPF reduced the mortality rate of rats and attenuated the pro-inflammatory cytokine responses in an endotoxin shock model through an anti-inflammatory action inhibiting induction of HMGB1.