The effect of propofol on expressions of CD62P, CD63 and CD41/CD61 on the platelet membrane surface

Objective The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of propofol on the platelet function.Methods Thirty ASA Ⅰ-Ⅱ patients undergoing elective minor surgery were allocated into two groups: propofol group (n=20) and control group (n=10). The mean age of the patients was (37±8)yr. Patients who had blood disease or had been exposed to any medication with known platelet effects were excluded. The patients were premedicated with phenobarbital sodium 2mg·kg -1 and atropine 0.01 mg·kg -1. In propofol group anesthesia was induced with propofol 2 mg·kg -1, fentanyl 4μg·kg -1 and vecuronium 0.1 mg·kg -1 and maintained with 0.8%-1.2% isoflurane inhalation supplemented with fentanyl and vecuronium. The duration of operation averaged (85±15)min. Blood samples were taken from peripheral vein before induction of anesthesia, 5 and 30 min after induction and 1h after termination of propofol infusion for the assessment of CD62P,CD63 and CD41/CD61 on the platelet membrane surface by flow cytometry. Platelet count, bleeding time and ACT were also determined at the same time.Results Following the administration of propofol the expressions of CD62P and CD63 on the platelet membrane surface were significantly decreased, whereas the expression of CD41/CD61, platelet count, bleeding time and ACT did not change significantly.Conclusions Propofol inhibits the expression of platelet membrane glycoproteins CD62P and CD63 and may contribute to the impairment of platelet function.