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Local anaesthetic effects on trophoblast membrane fluidity
R Staffolani1, N Cester, R Magnanelli
1Istituto di Biochimica, Facoltà di Medicina e Chirurgia, Ancona, Italy.
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology International
|March 1, 1993
Summary
Local anesthetic Marcaine decreases acetylcholinesterase activity and alters membrane fluidity in placental membranes, similar to Thiopental. Marcaine was detected in membranes post-preparation, indicating sustained effects.
Area of Science:
- Anesthesiology
- Biochemistry
- Obstetrics
Background:
- General anesthesia with Thiopental affects placental syncytiotrophoblast plasma membranes (SPM).
- Thiopental increases membrane fluidity and decreases acetylcholinesterase activity in SPM.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of local anesthetic bupivacaine hydrochloride (Marcaine) on SPM.
- To determine if Marcaine persists in SPM after tissue preparation.
Main Methods:
- Assessed acetylcholinesterase activity in SPM from Marcaine-exposed and control placentas.
- Utilized fluorescence studies to measure membrane order parameter (P).
- Quantified Marcaine concentration in prepared SPM.
Main Results:
- Acetylcholinesterase activity was significantly lower in Marcaine-exposed SPM.
- SPM from Marcaine-exposed placentas exhibited reduced membrane order parameter (increased fluidity).
- Marcaine was detected in SPM post-preparation at 20.1 ng/mg protein.
Conclusions:
- Local anesthetic Marcaine impacts SPM similarly to general anesthetic Thiopental.
- Marcaine's effects are likely due to competitive inhibition and membrane binding.
- The anesthetic agent remains present in the membrane after preparation.