Effect of propofol on mitochondrial DNA deletion in neurons during brain ischemia-reperfusion in rats

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the effect of propofol on mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) deletion in neurons during brain ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) in rats. Methods Fifty-four male Sprague-Dawley rats, aged 3 months, weighing 250-300 g, were randomly divided into 3 groups (n=18 each) using a random number table: sham operation group (S group), I/R group and propofol group (P group). Brain I/R was produced by occlusion of bilateral common carotid arteries combined with hypotension.In group P, propofol was infused for 1 h at 1.0 mg·kg-1·min-1 via the femoral vein before I/R.At 6, 24 and 48 h of reperfusion, 6 rats were sacrificed, and brains were removed for examination of pathologic changes with light microscope.Hippocampi were isolated, and mtDNA was extracted to detect mtDNA deletion using real-time PCR. Results Compared with group S, mtDNA deletion at 6, 24 and 48 h of reperfusion in group I/R, and at 48 h of reperfusion in group P were significantly increased.Compared with group I/R, mtDNA deletion was significantly decreased at 6, 24 and 48 h of reperfusion, and the pathologic changes of brains were mitigated in group P. Conclusion The mechanism by which propofol reduces global brain I/R injury is related to reduction of mtDNA deletion in neurons of rats. Key words: Propofol; Reperfusion injury; Brain; Neurons; DNA, mitochondrial