Comparative Study Of The Inhibitory Effect Of Some I.V. Anaesthetic Agents On Human Neutrophil Phagocytosis And Bactericidal Function

Anaesthetics may compromIse host defence mechanisms by adversely affecting the specific or non-specific components of the normal immune response. Adverse effects of general anaesthetic agents on neutrophil function in vitro are important as, theoretically, they could imply compromised function in vivo.The inhibitory effects of some anaesthetics, including intravenous (IV) anaesthetics, on neutrophil functions have been well documented, the use of these anaesthetics may result not only in perioperative immunosuppression, but if used to sedate critically ill patients in an intensive care unit (leU), may potentially further compromise an already depressed host defense mechanism.This study was plamled as an attempt to throw SPOT light upon effect of some intravenous anaesthetic agents on neutrophil functions in vitro to detect a probable deviation in its phagocytic and bactericidal functions which may explain the perioperative immunosuppression.7 and were free from any disease not taking any drugs especially those which affect PMNLs function e.g. corticosteroids.Sample of 3 m I peripheral venous blood was drown from each patient and incubated with the corresponding LV. anaesthetic agents (Thopentone - ketamine - propofol - midazolam) using different concentrations of 1. V. anaesthetic agents (clinical plasma concentration and 100 times clinical plasma concentration).In this study we have demonstrated that at 100 times the clinical plasma concentration, thiopentone and ketamine produced a highly significant depression of neutrophil phagocytosis with non significant depression was seen with propofol and midazolam.Our results suggested that thiopentone, ketamine, propofol and midazolam, at clinically relevant concentrations had minimal effects on neutrophil phagocytosis.Also, our results showed that there was non significant depression of respiratory burst acti vity of neutrophil at both 100 times and clinically relevant plasma concentration of thiopentone, ketamine, propofol and midazolam.