Abstract: Objective To explore the molecular mechanism of propofol-induced apoptosis in oligodendrocytes. Methods Forty-five neonatal (7 days old) SD rats were randomized into 3 groups (n=15) for a single intraperitoneal injection of saline (control), long chain fat emulsion, or propofol (50 mg/kg). Eight hours after the injection, the rats were examined for mRNA and protein expressions of caspase-3, caspase-8, and caspase-9 in the brain tissues using qPCR and Western blotting, and the expression levels of nerve growth factor (NGF) mRNA and P-PI3K/P-PAkt were also detected. Results Compared with those in the control group, the neonatal rats with propofol injection showed significantly up-regulated mRNA and protein expressions of caspase-3, caspase-8, and caspase-9 in the brain tissue (P<0.05) with significantly down-regulated expressions of NGF mRNA and P-PI3K/P-PAkt (P<0.05). Conclusion Propofol induces apoptosis in oligodendrocytes by activating the caspase family protein members involved in triggering cell apoptosis and inhibiting the anti-apoptosis mechanism.

Key words: propofol; oligodendrocytes; caspase family protein; anti-apoptosis mechanism