Propofol suppresses prostaglandin E(2) production in human peripheral monocytes.

Prostaglandin E(2) secreted from monocytes/macrophages plays important roles in immunity and in inflammation. Currently, propofol, an intravenous anesthetic, is the most widely used drug for the anesthesia and sedation of patients, including those who are vulnerable to infection and/or immunosuppression. Here we report that propofol suppressed prostaglandin E(2) production in lipopolysaccharide-activated human peripheral monocytes. The suppressive effects of propofol were ascribed to its inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2 activity rather than to effects on cyclooxygenase protein expression or substrate availability. Thus, propofol seems to have a prominent effect on immunity and inflammation.