Effects of Propofol on Endotoxin-Induced Acute Lung Injury in Rabbit

This study was undertaken to clarify the effects of propofol on endotoxin-induced acute lung injury. Rabbits were randomly assigned to one of four groups. Each group received intravenous infusion of saline only, saline and Escherichia coli endotoxin, propofol (1 mg/kg bolus, then 5 mg/kg/hr) and endotoxin, or propofol (4 mg/kg bolus, then 20 mg/kg/hr) and endotoxin respectively. Infusion of saline or propofol was started 0.5 hr before the infusion of saline or endotoxin, and continued for 6 hr thereafter. The lungs of rabbits were ventilated with 40% oxygen. Mean blood pressure, heart rate, arterial oxygen tension (PaO2), and peripheral blood leukocyte and platelet count were recorded. The wet/dry (W/D) weight ratio of lung and lung injury score were measured, and analysis of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was done. Endotoxin decreased PaO2, and peripheral blood leukocyte and platelet count. And it increased W/D ratio of lung, lung injury score and leukocyte count, percentage of PMN cells, concentration of albumin, thromboxane B2 and IL-8 in BALF. Propofol attenuated all these changes except the leukocyte count in peripheral blood. In conclusion, propofol attenuated endotoxin-induced acute lung injury in rabbits mainly by inhibiting neutrophil and IL-8 responses, which may play a central role in sepsis-related lung injury.

Variations in white blood count, thromboxane B2 levels and hematocrit in chronic venous hypertension

Objective: To analyze variations in leukocyte count and thromboxane B2 production in the femoral vein of patients with chronic venous hypertension (CVH). Design: Prospective clinical study, controlled, non randomized and open. Location: Hospital das Cl[inicas, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Sao Paulo, referral center, university hospital. Participants: 15 patients with recurring stasis ulcer were analyzed, selected randomly from the venous diseases outpatient center, and 4 without lower limb venous alterations were also analyzed. Intervention: Blood samples from the femoral and brachial veins were drawn following supine and 45º reverse Trendelenburg. Main outcomes measures: Direct leukocyte count and analysis of the thomboxane B2 with enzyme linked immunosorbent assay test. Results: After 30 minutes in reverse Trendelenburg, patients with CVH showed a leukocyte count reduced by +27 per cent (p=0.02) and thromboxane B2 levels increased by +158 per cent (p=0.02). Conclusions: We suggest that future studies of medications for stasis ulcers include their effects on leukocyte entrapment and thromboxane B2 production in the lower limb venous system.