The effects of sevoflurane, desflurane and propofol on the percentages and activation molecules of the lymphocytes: A flow cytometry analysis of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid

Abstract

Objective: We aimed to investigate the effects of anesthesia with desflurane, sevoflurane or propofol on the cell surface markers and the activation molecules of the lymphocytes in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid via flow cytometry. Material and Methods: Sixty patients were scheduled for elective surgery. The patients were divided into three groups (Group D=desf- lurane, Group S= sevoflurane, Group P= propofol). The same induction agents were used for all groups. The anesthesia was maintained with an inhalation agent (1-1,5 MAC) or propofol (the starting dose 12 mg.kg-1 of propofol infusion was reduced to 9, 6 and then 3-6 mg.kg-1). BAL was performed immediately after induction of anesthesia and surgical procedure with a fiberoptic bronchoscop. Blood pressures, oxygen saturation, end-tidal CO2 values and minimum alveolar concentration of agents were recorded. The percentages of the lymphocytes and their activation molecules were determined by flow cytometry in BAL samples. Results: The percentages of active cytotoxic T-cells (CD8+CD25+) and active B cells (CD19+ HLA-DR+) decreased after desflurane anesthesia. The percentage of cytotoxic T-cells decreased after propofol anesthesia. The anesthesia with sevoflurane had no effect on the percentages and the activation molecules of the lymphocytes in the BAL fluid. Conclusion: This study showed that desflurane and propofol decreased either the percentages of the cell surface markers or the activation molecules of the lymphocytes during perioperative period in a tissue sample whereas the sevoflurane had no effect on these parameters. We conclude that sevoflurane has no effect on the lymphocytes in the BAL sample. © 2011 by Türkiye Klinikleri.