Does isoflurane enhance rhinovirus replication and virus-induced cytokine secretion in airway epithelial cells?

BACKGROUND

There have been no previous studies regarding the effect of volatile anesthetics on human rhinovirus (RV) infection in airway epithelial cells of patients with an upper respiratory infection (URI). We have therefore evaluated in vitro the effect of isoflurane on RV infection in airway epithelial cells.

METHODS

A549 cells and RV-infected A549 cells were treated with isoflurane for 2 or 4 h. Surface expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) was assessed by flow cytometry, and effects on the secretion of interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8 were measured by ELISA. The effect on RV replication in the cells was determined by viral titer.

RESULTS

Isoflurane treatment for 2 or 4 h had no significant effect on ICAM-1 expression and secretion of IL-6 and IL-8 in control cells. Isoflurane also had no significant additional effect on RV-induced ICAM-1 expression and secretion of IL-6 and IL-8. Viral titers were not significantly influenced by isoflurane.

CONCLUSION

Isoflurane treatment showed no additional effects with RV on ICAM-1 expression, secretion of IL-6 and IL-8, and viral titer in A549 cells. These results suggest that isoflurane itself may not increase further RV infections, inflammations, and viral replication in patients with a viral URI.