Effects of i.v. anaesthetic agents on the chemotaxis of eosinophils in vitro.

Polymorphonuclear eosinophilic leucocytes (PME) participate in wound healing processes, the inflammatory response, bronchial asthma, allergies and defence against invading parasites. We have examined the effects of thiopental, methohexital, propofol, etomidate and ketamine on PME chemotaxis in vitro. PME were isolated from venous blood samples of 10 healthy volunteers using multi-stage Percoll gradient centrifugation. Eosinophilic chemotaxis was determined using a 48-well microchemotaxis chamber. Thiopental 150 micrograms ml-1 and etomidate 0.32 microgram ml-1 caused significant (P < or = 0.05) inhibition of PME chemotaxis. We conclude that thiopental and etomidate may have an adverse influence on wound healing processes and parasitic diseases. Further studies are recommended.