Abstract: Objective To observe the effect of propofol on the expression of myelin basic protein (MBP) in developing zebrafish and explore the possible mechanisms. Methods A total of 180 zebrafish embryos at 6-48 h post- fertilization were randomly allocated into 3 equal groups and raised in fresh water (control group), water containing dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO group) and water containing 30 μg/mL propofol (propofol group). On 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10 d post-fertilization, the juvenile fish were collected for detection of mRNA and protein expressions of MBP using RT- qPCR and Western blotting. TUNEL assay and immunofluorescence assay were used to detect apoptosis of the oligodendrocytes of the fish at 3 d post-fertilization; RT-qPCR and Western blotting were performed to detect the expressions of apoptosis-related factors caspase-8, caspase-9 and caspase-3. Results Compared with the control group, the fish with propofol exposure showed significantly decreased mRNA and protein expression of MBP at 3-7 d post-fertilization (P<0.05) with increased apoptosis of the oligodendrocytes and upregulated expressions of caspase-8, caspase-9 and caspase-3 at both the mRNA and protein levels. Conclusion Propofol persistently inhibits MBP expression in developing zebrafish within a short term possibly by mediating apoptosis of the oligodendrocytes.

Key words: zebrafish; oligodendrocyte; myelin basic protein; cell apoptosis