Effects of different concentrations of propofol on apoptosis in hippocampal neurons in neonatal rats in vitro

Abstract

Objective To investigate the effects of different concentrations of propofol on the apoptosis in hippocampal neurons in neonatal rats in vitro.Methods Primary hippocampal neurons were prepared from newborn Sprague-Dawley rats (aged 7 days) and cultured for 7 days.The neurons were randomly divided into 7 groups (n =8 each):control group (group C),propofol 4,8 and 12 μg/ml groups (groups P1-3),and fat emulsion 4,8and 12 μg/ml groups (groups F1-3).The cells were cultured for 24 h in the culture medium containing propofol 4,8 and 12μg/ml in groups P1-3,respectively.The cells were cultured for 24 h in the culture medium containing fat emulsion 4,8 and 12 μg/ml in groups F1 3,respectively.The cell morphology was examined by microscopy after 24 h culture.The expression of caspase-3 (by immuno-histochemistry) and neuronal apoptosis were detected.The neuronal apoptosis rate was calculated.Results Compared with group C,the neuronal apoptosis rate and caspase3 expression were significantly increased in groups P1-3 (P ＜ 0.05 or 0.01).The neuronal apoptosis rat and caspase-3 expression were increased in a concentration-dependent manner in groups P1-3 (P ＜ 0.05).The neuronal apoptosis rate and caspase-3 expression were significantly lower in groups F1-3 than in groups P1-3 (P ＜ 0.05).There was no significant difference in the neuronal apoptosis rate and caspase-3 expression between groups F1-3 (P ＞ 0.05).The damage to neurons was induced in groups P1-3 and most severe in group P3.Conclusion Propofol can promote the apoptosis in hippocampal neurons in neonatal rats in vitro in a concentration-dependent manner. Key words: Propofol; Hippocampus; Neurons; Apoptosis; Infant, newborn