Objective:To explore changes of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α)

interleukin-6 (IL-6)

interleukin-8 (IL-8) in plasma and the effect of propofol on these cytokines in rats following cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury.Methods:Focal cerebral ischemia model was induced by occluding the middle cerebral artery (MCA).Seventy two adult Wistar rats were divided randomly into three groups:sham operation group (group A)

control group ( group B)

which was intraperitoneally infused with 0.9% saline (10ml·kg -1 ) before ischemia and subdiuided into four groups two hours after ischemia and reperfused respectively for one hour

six hours

twelve hours

and twenty-four hours.Propofol group (group C)

which was intraperitoneally infused with propofol (100mg.kg -1 ) before ischemia and reperfusion.The serum concentration of TNF-α

IL-6

IL-8 and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents and activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) were measured.Hematoxylin and eosin staining for the cerebral tissue was processed.Results:The serum concentration of TNF-α

IL-6

IL-8 and MDA of propofol group were significantly lower than control group

while the activity of SOD in plasma was higher than control group.Under light microscope

the structure of cells remained perfect in propofol group

while the cells of control group showed swelling

karyorrhexis and karyolysis.Conclusion:In addition to antioxidation

propofol effectively suppresses the production and release of inflammatory cytokine

and therefore protect the brain from ischemia and reperfusion injury.