Comparison of Poloxamer-407 to Soybean oil as an Emulsifying Agent for Propofol: Histamine Release and Plasma Lipid Levels

Ho-Yeong Kil, M.D., Hyun-Hwa Lee, M.D., and Dae-Woo Kim, M.D.*

Department of Anesthesiology, College of Medicine, HallymUniversity

and Korea Catholic University,* Seoul, Korea

Background: To reduce side effects(hyperlipidemia, pain on injection, etc) of present formation of propofol, many attempts to change the emulsifying agent for propofol have been tried. This study was designed to examine the poloxamer-407 as an emulsifying agent for propofol compared to soybean oil regarding histamine release and plasma lipid level.

Methods: Twelve Beagle dogs weighing 12-16 kg were randomly assigned to one of two groups according to formulation of propofol. Group 1 received Diprivan propofol 1%(AstraZeneca Co. UK), Group 2 received poloxamer-407 formulated propofol by a continuous intravenous infusion at 30 ㎎/㎏/h for 3 hours. Three, 6, 9 and 12 hours after discontinue the propofol infusion, venous samples from cranial tibial vein were analysed by ELISA kit for histamine level. Also, blood lipid levels were checked after 3 hours of infusion and blood propofol concentration were checked every hour during infusion.

Results: Group 2 showed significantly less histamine release than group 1 at 3, 6, 9 hours after infusion(p < 0.05). In the plasma lipid study, high-density lipoprotein(HDL) showed no difference between two groups, but triglyceride and cholesterol were significantly higher in group 2(p < 0.05). Propofol concentration showed no difference between two groups.

Conclusions: Poloxamer-407 as an emulsifying agent for propofol showed no advantage compared to present formulation regarding hyperlipidemia, even decreased histamine level.

References: 1. Hart B: 'Diprivan': A change of formulation. Eur J Anaesth 2000; 17: 71-3. 2. Johnston TP, Palmer WK: Mechanism of poloxamer 407-induced hypertriglyceridemia in the rat. Biochem Pharmacol 1993; 46(6): 1037-42.