Work

Propofol and remifentanil at moderate and high concentrations affect proliferation and differentiation of neural stem/progenitor cells

Year: 2014

Type: article

Abstract: Propofol and remifentanil alter intracellular Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)]i) in neural stem/progenitor cells by activating γ-aminobutyric acid type A receptors and by reducing testosterone levels. However, whether this process affects neural stem/progenitor cell proliferation and differentiation remains unknown. In the present study, we applied propofol and remifentanil, alone or in combination, at low, moderate or high concentrations (1, 2-2.5 and 4-5 times the clinically effective blood drug concentration), to neural stem/progenitor cells from the hippocampi of newborn rat pups. Low concentrations of propofol, remifentanil or both had no noticeable effect on cell proliferation or differentiation; however, moderate and high concentrations of propofol and/or remifentanil markedly suppressed neural stem/progenitor cell proliferation and differentiation, and induced a decrease in [Ca(2+)]i during the initial stage of neural stem/progenitor cell differentiation. We therefore propose that propofol and remifentanil interfere with the proliferation and differentiation of neural stem/progenitor cells by altering [Ca(2+)]i. Our findings suggest that propofol and/or remifentanil should be used with caution in pediatric anesthesia.

Source: Neural Regeneration Research

DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.145384

Authors: Qing Li, Jiang Lu, Xianyu Wang

Institutions: Hubei University of Medicine, Taihe Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Anesthesia and Neurotoxicity Research

Subfield: Developmental Neuroscience

Field: Neuroscience

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,500