Effects of propofol on intracellular calcium ion concentration and NF-κB activity in hippocampal neurons of fetal rats in vitro

Objective To evaluate the effects of propofol on the intracellular calcium ion concentration （[Ca2＋ ]i） and nuclear factor kappa B （NF-κB） activity in hippocampal neurons of fetal rats in vitro .Methods Ten pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats at 16-18 days of gestation ,were sacrificed and the fetal rats were taken out from the abdominal cavity .The hippocampal neurons of the fetal rats were isolated and seeded in culture plates .After being cultured for 9 days ,the neurons were divided into 7 groups （ n=12 each ） using a random number table ：control group （C group） ,intralipid group （I group） and propofol 0.1 ,1 ,10 ,100 ,1 000 μmol/L groups （P1-5 groups） .In group I ,10% intralipid was added to the culture media until the final concentration reached 100μmol/L .In P1-5 groups ,propofol was added to the culture media until the final concentration reached 0.1 ,1 ,10 , 100 and 1 000μmol/L ,respectively .The cells were then incubated for 3 h .The [Ca2＋ ]i and cellular morphology of hippocampal neurons were examined by laser scanning confocal microscopy before incubation with propofol and within 10 min after the end of incubation with propofol .The expression of NF-κB protein in the nucleus was＆nbsp;detected at 7 days after the end of incubation with propofol by Western blot analysis to reflect NF-κB activity . Results Propofol increased [Ca2＋ ]i in P2-4 groups ,while decreased [Ca2＋ ]i in group P5 （ P0.05 ） .The structure of hippocampal neurons was normal in C ,I and P1 groups .The branchings of axons and dendrites in hippocampal neurons were significantly decreased in P 2-4 groups , while the structure of hippocampal neurons became fuzzy , the cell membrane was destroyed and the axons and dendrites were not seen in group P5 .Conclusion Propofol can produce neurotoxic effects on hippocampal neurons of fetal rats by changing the [Ca2＋ ]i and promoting NF-κB activation in vitro . Key words: Propofol; Fetus; Hippocampus; Neurons; Calcium; NF-kappa B