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Published on: January 6, 2014
In vitro effect of etomidate and thiopental on granulocyte migration
Abstract:
An increased mortality has been reported during long-term etomidate infusion. Inhibition of adrenal corticosteroid synthesis has been incriminated - but other factors related to host defence cannot be excluded. Using an under-agarose assay, we investigated the effect of etomidate on in vitro granulocyte migration. Unlike thiopental (50 micrograms/ml), etomidate (4-32 micrograms/ml) did not affect either spontaneous or directed migration. Impaired granulocyte migration is an unlikely cause of morbidity during long-term etomidate infusion.
Insights
Long-term etomidate infusion may increase mortality. However, this study found etomidate does not impair granulocyte migration, suggesting other host defense factors may be involved.
Area of Science:
- Anesthesiology
- Immunology
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- Long-term etomidate infusion is associated with increased mortality.
- Adrenal corticosteroid synthesis inhibition is a suspected cause.
- Other host defense mechanisms require investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of etomidate on granulocyte migration in vitro.
- To determine if etomidate impacts spontaneous or directed granulocyte movement.
Main Methods:
- An under-agarose assay was employed to assess granulocyte migration.
- Etomidate was tested at concentrations of 4-32 micrograms/ml.
- Thiopental served as a comparative agent.
Main Results:
- Etomidate did not affect spontaneous granulocyte migration.
- Etomidate did not affect directed granulocyte migration.
- Thiopental at 50 micrograms/ml did not inhibit migration (control observation).
Conclusions:
- Impaired granulocyte migration is unlikely to be the cause of morbidity during long-term etomidate infusion.
- The role of other host defense factors in etomidate-related mortality warrants further study.
