Sevoflurane inhibits Human umbilical vein endothelial cells migration by up-regulating VE-cadherin expression

Abstract Background Sevoflurane is a commonly used inhalation anesthesia and is famous for rapid onset of action, less metabolism in vivo and fast recovery. The aim of this study is to elaborate whether sevoflurane inhibits Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) migration function. Methods In vitro experiments, the HUVECs were divided into four groups randomly, and were exposed to 2% sevoflurane, refer to 1.6 minimal alveolar concentration (MAC), respectively for 0.5h, 1h, 2h and the first group was the control group which exposed to the same gas environment with other three groups but only without sevoflurane. After sevoflurane exposure, HUVECs were conducted the scratch assay. Results The results suggested that the HUVECs exposed to 2% sevoflurane for 2 h were more obviously inhibited on the migration distance during 12 h after scratched than the control group. Quantitative PCR results suggested that the HUVECs exposed to 2% sevoflurane for 2 h expressed more vascular endothelial cadherin (VE-cadherin) than the control group, with statistic difference. However, other scratch assay and quantitative trials suggested that the HUVECs which were transfected with VE-cadherin siRNA and exposed to 2% sevoflurane for 2 h had no significant difference with the control group on the migration distance and the expression of VE-cadherin. Conclusion These results suggested that sevoflurane inhibited the HUVECs migration function by up-regulating VE-cadherin expression, and may have an adverse effect on the normal functions of vascular endothelial cells.