Effect of morphine and propofol on the activation of equine neutrophils: An EPR spin trapping study

Inflammation is a complex phenomenon involving chemical and enzymatic mechanisms. The polymorphonuclear neutrophil leukocytes (PMNs) play an essential immunomodulatory role by releasing harmful reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidant enzymes. During the respiratory burst, the enzymatic complex NADPH oxidase produces the ROS precursor: superoxide anion (O_2^( . −)), to initiate the invasive microorganisms degradation. Inflammatory pathologies induce an excessive stimulation of the neutrophils and an uncontrolled production and release of ROS in the extracellular medium, leading to severe tissue damages. The treatment of chronic pathologies is still a challenge to rise. For this reason, the research of potential anti-inflammatory molecules, able to inhibit the oxidant enzymes and/or to scavenge ROS, is an important part of biomedical research. Morphine and propofol, in addition to their analgesic and anaesthetic action respectively, presents antioxidant properties 3,4. However, only few data has been reported on their potential superoxide anion scavenger and inhibitory effect on the neutrophil respiratory burst.