P53 expression and apoptosis in liver and spleen during CO2 pneumoperitoneum

Abstract

Laparoscopic surgery techniques have been increasingly preferred to classic laparotomy by surgeons since 1987. However, this method has some important adverse effects on intra-abdominal organs. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of different pressures of CO(2) on apoptosis and p53 expression in cells in liver and spleen. In total, 30 male Sprague-Dawley rats were used in the study. CO(2) was insufflated into the intra-abdominal cavity via angiocatheter cannule by an insufflator in two different pressures of 10 and 20 mm Hg for 60 min. However, in the control group, only cannule was inserted into the intra-abdominal cavity, but no gas was insufflated. After 60 min, the rats were killed and laparotomy was applied. The liver and spleen were excised. The samples were histologically processed and immunohistochemistry was applied. All the data revealed that the number of apoptotic cells in liver and spleen increases in proportion to CO(2) pressure level. No p53 expression was detected in both organs. CO(2) pressure level and application time may affect on cells living in liver and spleen. High pressure and/or long application time may cause releasing of cytokines and superoxide radicals from these organs' cells, and transient or serious organ dysfunctions may occur.