ABSTRACT
Objective To explore the neuroprotective mechanism of propofol by comparing the influence of propofol and isoflurane on inflammatory cytokines ( TNF-α、IL-1、ICAM-1 ) in patients with intracranial tumors. Methods One hundred and sixty-eight patients with intracranial neoplasm were randomly divided into two groups:the propofol ( Group P) and isoflurane (Group I),84 cases in each. Patients were given with propofol (3-6 μg·mL-1) by plasma target-controlled infusion or with continuously inhaled isoflurane ( 1%-2%) , respectively. The serum levels of TNF-α, IL-1 and ICAM-1 were detected before anesthesia and at 0,24,and 48 h after operation. Results The serum levels of TNF-α,IL-1 and ICAM-1 were significantly increased after operation as compared to baseline in both groups. The serum level of TNF-α was(69. 11±8. 95) and (76. 26±11.28) μg·mL-1,IL-1 was(21.57±3.19) and (29.58±4.38) ng·L-1,and ICAM-1 was (1.63±0.24)and (1.94±0.29) g·L-1 at 24 h post operation in Group P and Group I,respectively. These inflammatory cytokine levels were significantly higher in group I compared to group P at 24 and 48 h after operation (P<0. 05 or P<0. 01). Conclusion The target-controlled infusion of propofol brings about lower level of inflammatory reaction than isoflurane inhalation in patients with intracranial neoplasm,which may attribute to the mechanism of brain protection against injury.