Gender-related alerations in erythrocyte mechanical activities under desflurane or sevoflurane anesthesia

Abstract

Alterations in erythrocyte mechanical activities under the influence of anesthesia have been observed and discussed among the responsible factors for the deterioration of tissue and organ perfusion related to anesthetic procedures. 21 female and 17 male Swiss Albino rats were used. Female (f) and male ( m) rats were divided into 3 groups; control (f (n = 7); m (n = 5)), sevoflurane treated group (f (n = 7); m ( n = 5)), desflurane treated group ( f ( n = 7); m (n = 7)). 2% of sevoflurane or 6% desflurane were applied to the rats with inhalation in an adjustable cage for one hour. The deformability indexes of the erythrocytes were measured by a laser diffractometer (Myrenne Rheodyne SSD). Sevoflurane anesthesia has improved the deformability of erythrocytes in male rats (p < 0.05) whereas there were not any significant changes in female rats. Desflurane has improved the deformability of erythrocytes in both gender significantly (p < 0.05). Volatil anesthetic agents sevofluran and desflurane has improved the mechanical properties of the erythrocytes in male rats compared to their controls. However, these changes were not significant with sevoflurane in females. The results in male rats may be due to the effects of testosterone on the flexibility of the erythrocytes leading them to tolerate to the environmental changes. These results reveal that the inhalation anesthetics like sevoflurane and desflurane are appropriate anesthetics which can improve the deformability of erythrocytes during surgery.