Effect of propofol on liver function of offspring rats delivered by cesarean section

Abstract

Objective To investigate the effect of propofol on the liver function of offspring rats delivered by cesarean section. Methods Twenty-four Sprague-Dawley rats, at 20 days of gestation, weighing 230-270 g, were divided into 4 groups(n=6 each)using a random number table: control group(group C), propofol 2.0 mg/kg group(group P2), propofol 4.0 mg/kg group(group P4), and propofol 8.0 mg/kg group(group P8). In P2, P4 and P8 groups, the corresponding doses of propofol were injected intravenously, and the cesarean section was performed at 30 min after loss of righting reflex.In group C, the pregnant rats were sacrificed by cervical dislocation at the corresponding time point, and the offspring rats were removed immediately and inhaled oxygen sufficiently.The neonatal rats were sacrificed immediately, and the blood samples were taken from the heart for determination of plasma alanine aminotransferase(ALT)and aspartate aminotransferase(AST)concentrations, and the livers were removed and cut into sections which were stained with haematoxylin and eosin for microscopic examination of the pathological changes. Results Compared with group C, the plasma ALT and AST concentrations in the offspring rats were significantly increased in P2, P4 and P8 groups(P<0.05). Compared with group P2, the plasma ALT and AST concentrations in the offspring rats were significantly increased in P4 and P8 groups(P<0.01). Compared with group P4, the plasma ALT and AST concentrations in the offspring rats were significantly increased in group P8(P<0.01). In P2, P4 and P8 groups, marked pathological changes of liver tissues were observed, and the severity was gradually aggravated in turn in offspring rats. Conclusion Propofol can induce damage to the livers of offspring rats delivered by cesarean section in a dose-dependent manner. Key words: Propofol; Cesarean section; Infant, newborn; Liver function tests