Propofol Reduces Reactive Oxygen Radical Dependent Lipid Peroxidation after Experimental Spinal Cord Injury in Rats

Primary spinal cord injury (SCI) is frequently inevitable; however secondary injury may be ameliorated by treatment that reduces reactive oxygen radical (ROR) dependent lipid peroxidation (LP). In this study, we investigated the effect of propofol on ROR dependent LP subsequent to SCI in anesthetized rats. Thirty four rats were divided into four groups: In Group L (n=7), only laminectomy was performed. In Group T (n=7), after performing laminectomy, SCI was inflicted. In Group P1 (n=10), after bolus propofol injection, the procedure was started and SCI was inflicted following laminectomy. In Group P2 (n=10), propofol bolus plus infusion was maintained throughout laminectomy and SCI procedure. SCI resulted in significant increase in production of ROR and level of LP respectively. These increases were significantly prevented by propofol in both Groups. There were also significant difference between Group P1 and both Groups L and P2 when both production of ROR and the level of LP were evaluated. In conclusion, these results clearly show propofol significantly reduces reactive oxygen radical dependent lipid peroxidation after experimental spinal cord injury in rats.