Effects of propofol sedation on BDNF-TrkB/p75 signal and cognitive function in rat hippocampus / 上海交通大学学报（医学版）

ABSTRACT

Objective • To detect the effects of propofol sedation on cognitive function in rats and its mechanism. Methods • Forty-eight SD rats were randomly divided into three groups, i.e. control group, 100 mg/kg group and 300 mg/kg group. Rats were administrated intraperitoneally with propofol (10 mg/mL, 100 mg/kg or 300 mg/kg). The mRNA levels of brain derived neurotropic factor (BDNF)-TrkB/p75 signal molecules in rat hippocampus were evaluated by realtime PCR 45 min after propofol treatment. Learning and memory ability was examined by inhibitory avoidance (IA) test after propofol treatment. Results • The mRNA levels of BDNF in the hippocampal tissue were (1.20±0.13) fold (P=0.002) and (88±12)% (P=0.044) of that in control group, respectively, in 100 mg/kg group and 300 mg/kg group after injection of propofol. The mRNA levels of TrkB were (1.01±0.11) fold (P=0.982) and (86±11)% (P=0.018) of that in control group, respectively, in 100 mg/kg group and 300 mg/kg group. The mRNA levels of p75 were (1.02±0.10) fold (P=0.778) and (1.59±0.18) fold (P=0.000) of that in control group, respectively, in 100 mg/kg group and 300 mg/kg group. There was no significant difference of the 24 h IA memory retention latency between 100 mg/kg group and control group. The 24 h IA memory retention latency in 300 mg/kg group was significantly decreased compared with control group (P=0.028) and 100 mg/kg group (P=0.020). Conclusion • Propofol dose-dependently regulates the expression of BDNF-TrkB/p75 signal molecules, and high dose propofol may reduce cognitive function via BDNF-TrkB/p75 signal.