Effects of propofol on activation of p38MAPK in rat model with ventilator-induced lung injury

Objective To elucidate the effects of propofol on the phosphorylation of mitogen activated protein kinase(p38MAPK) and inflammatory lung injury in arat model of ventilator-induced lung injury(VILI). Methods Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized to three groups: standard ventilation group(Group C),high-tidal volume ventilation group(Group H),and high-tidal volume ventilation plus propofol group(Group P).During mechanical ventilation(MV),rats in Group P received intravenous propofol,while rats of group C and H received physiological saline instead.All rats were sacrificed for collection of lung lavage fluid and lung tissue.Lung wet and dry weight ratio(W/D) was calculated,and lung pathologic changes were observed under light microscope.Interleukin 1β(IL-1β),IL-6 and total protein in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF) were determined.The expression of p38 and p-p38 was measured by Western blot. Results No pulmonary pathologic change was observed in Group C.Although pathological changes were observed in Group H and P,significantly milder changes were revealed in Group P.Significant step-down of pulmonary W/D,WBC count in p-p38 and BALF,total protein content,and IL-1β and IL-6 levels was observed following the sequencing of Group H,P and C. Conclusion Propofol attenuates VILI in rats,via blocking the activation of extracellular regulated protein and reducing pulmonary inflammation.