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Short-term propofol anaesthesia down-regulates clock genes expression in the master clock

Nawfel Ben-Hamouda1,2, Vincent-Joseph Poirel1, Garance Dispersyn1,3

  • 1a Institut des neurosciences cellulaires et integratives, Neurobiology of Rhythms, CNRS (UPR3212) , Université de Strasbourg , Strasbourg , France.

Chronobiology International
|July 24, 2018
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Propofol anesthesia transiently reduces Per1 and Per2 gene expression in the brain's master clock, the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN). This finding may explain post-anesthesia "jet-lag-like" symptoms.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Chronobiology
  • Anesthesiology

Background:

  • Propofol anesthesia influences circadian rhythms regulated by the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN).
  • Previous studies link inhalational anesthesia to reduced Per2 mRNA in rodents.
  • The acute impact of propofol on the SCN molecular clock remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of a single propofol dose on Per1 and Per2 clock gene expression in the rat SCN.
  • To clarify the direct impact of propofol on the SCN molecular clockwork.

Main Methods:

  • Rats received a single dose of propofol or a vehicle control.
  • Brain samples were collected at projected circadian times CT11, CT12, and CT13.
  • Per1 and Per2 mRNA expression in the SCN was analyzed using in situ hybridization.

Main Results:

  • Propofol treatment significantly decreased Per1 expression in the SCN at CT11 and CT12 compared to controls.
  • A significant treatment effect was observed for Per2 expression.
  • The observed down-regulation of Per genes was directly correlated with propofol administration.

Conclusions:

  • Short-term propofol anesthesia causes a transient decrease in Per1 and Per2 expression within the SCN.
  • This molecular disruption in the master clock may underlie circadian rhythm disturbances post-anesthesia.
Keywords:
AnesthesiaCircadian rhythmsClock genesPropofolSuprachiasmatic nuclei

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