Effects of propofol on apoptosis in hippocampal neurons of fetal rats in vitro

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the effects of propofol on apoptosis in the hippocampal neurons of fetal rats in vitro.Methods The isolated hippocampal neurons were seeded into 96-well plates or 24-well plates at a density of 5 × 104 cells/ml.The cells were randomly divided into 5 groups (n =18 each) using a random number table:control group (group C),in tralipid group (group Ⅰ) and propofol 1,10,100 μmol/L groups (P1-3 groups).In group Ⅰ,10％ intralipid was added to the culture media until the final concentration reached 100 μmol/L.In groups P1-3,propofol was added to the culture media until the final concentration reached 1,10 and 100 μmol/L,respectively,and the cells were then incubated for 3 h.The cell apoptosis was assessed by flow cytometry.The expression of Bcl-2 mRNA and caspase-3 mRNA was detected by semi-quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).The expression of Bcl-2 and actived-caspase-3 protein was determined by Western blot analysis.The apoptosis rate was calculated.Results Compared with group C,the apoptosis rate was significantly increased,the expression of Bcl-2 mRNA and protein was down-regulated,and the expression of caspase-3 mRNA and actived-caspase-3 protein was up-regulated in P1-3 groups (P ＜ 0.05).There was no significant difference in the parameters mentioned above between group Ⅰ and group C (P ＞ 0.05).Conclusion Propofol induces apoptosis in isolated hippocampal neurons by inhibiting Bcl-2 expression and enhancing caspase-3 activity in fetal rats. Key words: Propofol ; Fetus ; Apoptosis ; Hippocampus