Comparison of the protective effects of desflurane and propofol anesthesia in rats: a hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury model

Abstract

It is known that desflurane and propofol protect liver tissue via different mechanisms. The aim of this study was to compare the protective effects of these 2 agents against hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury. Materials and methods: Rats were randomly divided into 2 groups: ischemia and ischemia-reperfusion. Each group was further divided into 3 subgroups: ketamine, desflurane, and propofol. Thirty minutes after anesthetics were administered, the rats were subjected to 45 min of hepatic ischemia and 4 h of reperfusion. Blood samples and liver tissues were obtained in order to assess serum tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-\alpha), interleukin-1\beta (IL-1\beta), and malondialdehyde levels and for histologic examination. Results: The postischemic serum IL-1\beta levels were significantly higher with propofol than with ketamine (P = 0.014). In the postischemic period, in the ischemia-desflurane group, TNF-\alpha levels were significantly lower than in the ischemia-propofol (P = 0.009). The number of polymorphonuclear leukocytes was the lowest in the ketamine group in the postischemic period (P < 0.01). Conclusion: In order to reach a definitive judgment, studies with a larger number of subjects are necessary.