The effect of electroencephalogram-targeted high- and low-dose propofol infusion on histopathological damage after traumatic brain injury in the rat

Anesth Analg. 2006 Dec;103(6):1527-33. doi: 10.1213/01.ane.0000247803.30582.2d.

Abstract

Background: Propofol is commonly used to sedate patients after traumatic brain injury. However, the dose-dependent neuroprotective effects of propofol after head trauma are unknown. We compared histopathological damage after 6 h of electroencephalogram-targeted high- and low-dose propofol infusion in rats subjected to controlled cortical impact (CCI).

Methods: Animals were randomly assigned to CCI/propofol with electroencephalogram burst-suppression-ratio 1%-5% (CCI/lowprop), CCI/propofol with burst-suppression-ratio 30%-40% (CCI/highprop), control group CCI/1.0 vol % halothane (CCI/halo), or sham group with halothane anesthesia (SHAM/halo). Brain slices were stained with kresyl violet (KV) and hematoxylin/eosin (HE) to evaluate lesion volume, number of eosinophilic cells, and activation of caspase-3 in the hippocampus.

Results: Lesion volume (mm3) and number of eosinophilic cells in the hippocampus did not differ significantly [lesion volumes: CCI/lowprop 31.55 +/- 14.66 (KV) and 53.77 +/- 8.62 (HE); CCI/highprop 33.81 +/- 10.57 (KV) and 52.30 +/- 11.55 (HE); CCI/halo 36.42 +/- 17.06 (KV) and 57.95 +/- 8.49 (HE)]. Activation of caspase-3 occurred in the ipsilateral hippocampus in all CCI-groups.

Conclusion: Despite different levels of cortical neuronal function, there were no relevant differences in the short-term histopathological damage. These results challenge the view that the neuroprotective effect of propofol relates to the suppression of cerebral metabolic demand.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Brain / pathology*
  • Brain Injuries / pathology*
  • Brain Injuries / physiopathology
  • Caspase 3 / metabolism
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Electroencephalography / drug effects*
  • Eosinophils / pathology
  • Halothane / pharmacology
  • Infusions, Intravenous
  • Leukocyte Count
  • Male
  • Neuroprotective Agents / pharmacology*
  • Propofol / pharmacology*
  • Rats
  • Rats, Sprague-Dawley

Substances

  • Neuroprotective Agents
  • Caspase 3
  • Halothane
  • Propofol