Propofol attenuates hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury in an in vivo rabbit model

Propofol has been demonstrated to improve hepatic perfusion in a rabbit model; however, the effects of propofol on hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury are unknown. The aim of the present study was to determine whether propofol has a hepatoprotective effect using an in vivo ischemia/reperfusion model in rabbits.

A total of 48 rabbits were randomly assigned to two groups: a propofol group (0.6 mg · kg(-1) · min(-1)) or a control group (10% intralipid, 0.6 mg · kg(-1) · min(-1)). Each group was then further divided into three subgroups of 8 rabbits according to the duration (10, 30, and 60 min) of propofol infusion before an ischemic episode was induced by cross-clamping the left hepatic artery and hepatic portal vein. Hepatic ischemia was maintained for 30 min, and the rabbits were monitored for 60 min after reperfusion. Liver enzyme leakage and histopathologic examination were used to evaluate the extent of hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury.

The serum enzyme levels were the same in all groups before the ischemic episode. After the induction of ischemia/reperfusion, the liver enzymes were significantly increased in all rabbits compared with baseline values (P < 0.05). Propofol significantly decreased the leakage of liver enzymes and markedly reduced lesions in histologic examination of the liver compared with the control group (P < 0.05). However, no significant difference was found in serum enzyme levels among the three subgroups in the propofol group.

Propofol reduced hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury in an in vivo rabbit model; however, the duration of propofol infusion before the ischemic insult did not influence its hepatoprotective effects or the extent of hepatic injury.