Ketamine or propofol anesthesia in dogs: how do they affect cytokines, antioxidants and neutrophil functions?

Abstract

The objective of the study is to investigate the effects of ketamine and propofol on cytokines, antioxidant defense system, and neutrophil functions in dogs. A total of 24 dogs were used. Dogs were divided into two groups as ketamine and propofol. The ketamine group received ketamine (5 mg/kg) intravenously while the propofol group received propofol (4 mg/kg) intravenously. Blood samples were collected before sedation and 30 minutes after induction. Serum antioxidant and cytokine levels were analyzed and neutrophil functions were determined. Respiration rate, serum malondialdehyde, IL-4, IL-6 levels, and phagocytic and chemotaxic activity of neutrophils were decreased (P=0.001, P=0.010, P=0.014, P=0.039, P=0.008, and P=0.037, respectively), oxygen saturation were increased (P=0.025) in the ketamine group. Serum IL-6 and IFN-γ level were decreased (P=0.015 and P=0.032 respectively), chemotactic activity of neutrophils were increased (P=0.049) in propofol group. The administration of ketamine was found to have a positive effect both on the antioxidant system and the neutrophil. On the other hand, positive and negative effects of propofol on different parts of the immune system were observed. Therefore, the results should should be taken into account when designing an anesthesia protocol for dogs to predict possible defense system reactions during the postoperative period.

A mini-review of the effects of inhalational and intravenous anesthetics on oxidative stress in dogs

“…However, according to other studies, ketamine inhibits the oxidative burst of canine peripheral blood phagocytes in vitro ( 57 ), and exhibits neuroprotective effects by its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic effects in animal models of cognitive disfunction ( 58 ). These properties were partially confirmed in a study on the effects of ketamine and propofol on cytokines, oxidative status and neutrophil functions in dogs ( 46 ). In a study on Wistar rats ketamine showed a higher antioxidant potential compared to etomidate ( 59 ).…”

“…In contrast, ketamine increases myocardial work and cardiac output, maintaining arterial pressure and heart rate ( 59 ). It has a mild effect on the respiratory system but can cause respiratory depression when used with other central nervous depressants ( 46 ). Anesthetic procedures in clinical trials include various agents for sedation, gentle induction of anesthesia, and analgesia.…”

“…Studies on the effects of anesthesia on oxidative stress in humans (3,4,(30)(31)(32)(33) and dogs (9,(34)(35)(36)(37)(38)(39)(40)(41)(42)(43)(44)(45)(46) are based on the determination of changes in antioxidant (and oxidative) capacity, activities of antioxidant enzymes, and markers of oxidative damage to DNA, proteins, and lipids.…”

Anaesthesia in Veterinary Oncology: The Effects of Surgery, Volatile and Intravenous Anaesthetics on the Immune System and Tumour Spread

“…By combining different agents (anaesthetics, analgesics and/or sedatives) and anaesthetic techniques (loco-regional or neuraxial), it allows the reduction in each drug's dose and its dose-dependent adverse effects while also delivering analgesia [129]. Immunoprotective effects, especially in T-lymphocytes and in pro-and anti-inflammatory cytokines, have been observed in dogs under general anaesthesia only using propofol [24,158]. In human studies, comparing TIVA with a volatile anaesthetic demonstrated that the number of CD3+, CD4+ and CD8+ T-lymphocytes decreased less following TIVA [159] and those who receive propofol-based TIVA during cancer surgery have higher overall survival [160].…”