Effect of propofol on expression of PKC mRNA in pulmonary injury induced by ischemia-reperfusion in rabbits

AIM: To investigate the effect of propofol on expression of protein kinase C (PKC) mRNA during pulmonary ischemia and reperfusion injury (PIRI) in rabbits. METHODS: Single lung ischemia and reperfusion animal model was used in vivo. The rabbits were randomly divided into three groups ( n =9 in each): sham operated group (sham), PIR group (I-R) and PIR+ propofol group (PPF). Changes of several parameters including malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), wet to dry ratio of lung tissue weight (W/D) and index of quantitative assessment of histologic lung injury (IQA) were measured at 60 minutes after reperfusion in lung tissue. Meanwhile the location and expression of PKC mRNA were observed. Lung tissue was also prepared for light microscopic and electron microscopic observation at 60 minutes after reperfusion. RESULTS: As compared with group I-R, PKC mRNA strongly expressed in intima and extima of small pulmonary artery as well as thin-wall vessels (mostly small pulmonary veins) in PPF group. The average optical density values of PKC-α、δ and θ mRNA in small pulmonary veins PPF in group showed significantly higher than that in I-R group (all P <0 01). SOD increased and MDA, W/D and IQA decreased at 60 minutes after reperfusion in lung tissue ( P <0 01 and P< 0 05). Abnormal changes of the lung tissue in morphology were lessen markedly in PPF group. CONCLUSIONS: Propofol produces notable protective effects on PIRI in rabbits by activating PKC-α, δ and θ mRNA expression in lung tissue, raising NO level, dropping OFR level and decreasing lipid peroxidation.