Effect of propofol on hepatic blood flow and oxygen balance in rabbits

Propofol has been reported to alter hepatic blood flow and to increase hepatic oxygen consumption. This study was designed to determine the effect of propofol on hepatic blood flow and oxygenation in rabbits, in order to establish its net effect on hepatic oxygen balance.

Twenty, adult male, New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into two groups: Group P (propofol, 0.6 mg.kg(-1).min(-1)) or Group C (10% intralipid, 0.6 mg.kg(-1).min(-1)). An electromagnetic flowmeter was used to measure hepatic blood flow, and blood, from the carotid artery, the portal vein, and the hepatic vein, was used to determine hepatic oxygenation. After we obtained baseline values, we repeated measurements ten, 30, and 60 min after initiating the infusion.

Intralipid did not affect systemic hemodynamics, hepatic blood flow, or oxygenation during the 60 min infusion; however, propofol caused a time-dependent decrease in mean arterial blood pressures and an increase in portal venous flow and total hepatic blood flow. In contrast, hepatic arterial blood flow remained unchanged during the propofol infusion. Hepatic oxygen delivery and consumption increased in a time-dependent manner to maximums of 25% and 21.4% (both, P < 0.05) above baseline, respectively. Hepatic venous oxygen saturation and extraction was unchanged throughout the study period.

Propofol increases total hepatic blood flow, primarily by increasing hepatic portal venous flow. The increase in liver oxygen consumption was fully compensated by an increase in oxygen supply to the liver, resulting in a preserved, hepatic oxygen balance.