Plasma and cerebrospinal fluid concentration of neuropeptide Y, serotonin, and catecholamines in patients under propofol or isoflurane anesthesia

Propofol is a widely used anesthetic for both induction and maintenance of anesthesia during surgery. A strong feeling of hunger has been reported during the early recovery period after propofol anesthesia. We have investigated the effect of propofol on appetite in 10 patients undergoing a craniotomy and in parallel measured neuropeptide Y (NPY), catecholamines, and serotonin levels in the cerebrospinal fluid and plasma during anesthesia. Ten patients anesthetized with a volatile agent (isoflurane) served as a control group. Plasma NPY and catecholamines levels were not affected by surgery at any time. We observed a strong increase in NPY concentrations in the cerebrospinal fluid independently of the anesthetic technique agent used, whereas catecholamines were unchanged. We found that serotonin concentrations decreased significantly in the plasma (but not in the cerebrospinal fluid) of patients treated by propofol when compared with the control group; this decrease was associated with an increase of hunger early postoperatively. We concluded that the proappetite effect of propofol is mediated through a decrease of serotonin at the peripheral level.     

Pattern Recognition Analysis of Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectra of Brain Tissue Extracts from Rats Anesthetized with Propofol or Isoflurane

Background

General anesthesia is routinely used as a surgical procedure and its safety has been endorsed by clinical outcomes; however, its effects at the molecular level have not been elucidated. General anesthetics influence glucose metabolism in the brain. However, the effects of anesthetics on brain metabolites other than those related to glucose have not been well characterized. We used a pattern recognition analysis of proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectra to visualize the changes in holistic brain metabolic phenotypes in response to the widely used intravenous anesthetic propofol and the volatile anesthetic isoflurane.

Methodology/Principal Findings

Rats were randomized into five groups (n = 7 each group). Propofol and isoflurane were administered to two groups each, for 2 or 6 h. The control group received no anesthesia. Brains were removed directly after anesthesia. Hydrophilic compounds were extracted from excised whole brains and measured by proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. All spectral data were processed and analyzed by principal component analysis for comparison of the metabolite profiles. Data were visualized by plotting principal component (PC) scores. In the plots, each point represents an individual sample. The propofol and isoflurane groups were clustered separately on the plots, and this separation was especially pronounced when comparing the 6-h groups. The PC scores of the propofol group were clearly distinct from those of the control group, particularly in the 6-h group, whereas the difference in PC scores was more subtle in the isoflurane group and control groups.

Conclusions/Significance

The results of the present study showed that propofol and isoflurane exerted differential effects on holistic brain metabolism under anesthesia.     

Comparison of isoflurane and sevoflurane for anesthesia in beaver

We compared the hemodynamic and respiratory effects, recovery time, and cost of two gas inhalants (isoflurane and sevoflurane) for anesthetic induction and maintenance of beaver (Castor canadensis) during surgery to implant radio transmitters in the peritoneal cavity. Heart rate, respiratory rate, relative hemoglobin saturation with oxygen (SpO2), and body temperature were measured every 5 min for the first 45 min, and arterial blood gas was measured once, 25 min into the anesthetic procedure. Induction for either agent was smooth and rapid. Heart rate and respiratory rate both decreased during the procedure though neither was lower than baseline values reported in the literature for beaver. Relative hemoglobin saturation with oxygen, body temperature, and blood gas variables did not differ between each anesthetic regime. Both inhalants caused slight respiratory acidosis. Recovery time from anesthesia was highly variable (1-178 min) but did not differ statistically between drugs. Sevoflurane costs ($22.30/60 min) were much higher than isoflurane costs ($3.50/60 min). We recommend isoflurane or sevoflurane for anesthetic induction and maintenance of beaver because of the lack of physiologic differences.     

Ventilation and metabolism during propofol anesthesia in rats

Many anesthetics are known to decrease ventilation (V(E)) and metabolic rate (MR). Because MR is known to contribute to the V(E) level, one would expect some parallelism between the changes in V(E) and MR during anesthesia. We tested this hypothesis in normoxia and hypoxia (12% O2) on male Wistar rats (n = 10; 221-288 g) by using a short-acting intravenous anesthetic, propofol. Propofol anesthesia was induced with a 7-7.5 mg kg(-1) (60-70 s) dose and maintained with a 20-22 mg kg(-1) h(-1) (<40 min) dose. In normoxia, propofol significantly decreased V(E) and MR and maintained the V(E)/MR ratio. In hypoxia, propofol decreased MR without a significant decrease in V(E), and the V(E)/MR ratio tended to increase. As a result, both in normoxia and hypoxia, propofol did not significantly increase the partial pressure of CO2 in arterial blood (PaCO2). Propofol was also associated with decreased body temperature and mean arterial pressure. The results suggest that during anesthesia, a large part of the drop in V(E) can be accounted for by the drop in MR, and that in both normoxia and hypoxia the V(E)/MR ratios and PaCO2values are maintained close to the levels of the conscious state.     

丙泊酚静脉麻醉与异氟醚吸入麻醉在巴马小型猪实验中的比较

目的比较丙泊酚静脉麻醉与异氟醚吸入麻醉在巴马小型猪实验中的麻醉效果。方法巴马小型猪10头,平均分成2组,分别进行丙泊酚静脉麻醉和异氟醚吸入麻醉,并于术前、术中及术后对其进行麻醉监测。结果两组实验猪的数量、体重、手术时间和麻醉时间无显著性差异（P〉0.05）;异氟醚组恢复自主呼吸的时间短于丙泊酚组（P〈0.05）;与基础值相比,各组实验猪在麻醉后HR值均明显升高（P〉0.01）,MAP值降低明显（P〉0.01）;但各组间及组内SPO2和PH值差异不显著（P〉0.05）。结论丙泊酚静脉麻醉应根据手术过程中实验动物的反应情况适当调整丙泊酚泵入量;而异氟醚吸入麻醉的麻醉过程平稳,麻醉效果好,术后苏醒快,适合情况复杂且时间较长的手术。     

Propofol is cardioprotective in a clinically relevant model of normothermic blood cardioplegic arrest and cardiopulmonary bypass

The general anesthetic propofol has been shown to be cardioprotective. However, its benefits when used in cardioplegia during cardiac surgery have not been demonstrated. In this study, we investigated the effects of propofol on metabolic stress, cardiac function, and injury in a clinically relevant model of normothermic cardioplegic arrest and cardiopulmonary bypass. Twenty anesthetized pigs, randomized to propofol treatment (n = 8) and control (n = 12) groups, were surgically prepared for cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and cardioplegic arrest. Doses of warm blood cardioplegia were delivered at 15-min intervals during a 60-min aortic cross-clamped period. Propofol was continuously infused for the duration of CPB and was therefore present in blood cardioplegia. Myocardial biopsies were collected before, at the end of cardioplegic arrest, and 20 mins after the release of the aortic cross-clamp. Hemodynamic parameters were monitored and blood samples collected for cardiac troponin I measurements. Propofol infusion during CPB and before ischemia did not alter cardiac function or myocardial metabolism. Propofol treatment attenuated the changes in myocardial tissue levels of adenine nucleotides, lactate, and amino acids during ischemia and reduced cardiac troponin I release on reperfusion. Propofol treatment reduced measurable hemodynamic dysfunction after cardioplegic arrest when compared to untreated controls. In conclusion, propofol protects the heart from ischemia-reperfusion injury in a clinically relevant experimental model. Propofol may therefore be a useful adjunct to cardioplegic solutions as well as being an appropriate anesthetic for cardiac surgery.     

Differential effects of propofol and isoflurane on glucose utilization and insulin secretion

AimsVolatile anesthetics, such as isoflurane, reverse glucose-induced inhibition of pancreatic adenosine triphosphate-sensitive potassium (K_ATP) channel activity, resulting in reduced insulin secretion and impaired glucose tolerance. No previous studies have investigated the effects of intravenous anesthetics, such as propofol, on pancreatic K_ATP channels. We investigated the cellular mechanisms underlying the effects of isoflurane and propofol on pancreatic K_ATP channels and insulin secretion.Main methodsIntravenous glucose tolerance tests (IVGTT) were performed on male rabbits. Pancreatic islets were isolated from male rats and used for a perifusion study, measurement of intracellular ATP concentration ([ATP]_i), and patch clamp experiments.Key findingsGlucose stimulus significantly increased insulin secretion during propofol anesthesia, but not isoflurane anesthesia, in IVGTT study. In perifusion experiments, both islets exposed to propofol and control islets not exposed to anesthetic had a biphasic insulin secretory response to a high dose of glucose. However, isoflurane markedly inhibited glucose-induced insulin secretion. In a patch clamp study, the relationship between ATP concentration and channel activity could be fitted by the Hill equation with a half-maximal inhibition of 22.4, 15.8, and 218.8 μM in the absence of anesthetic, and with propofol, and isoflurane, respectively. [ATP]_i and single K_ATP channel conductance did not differ in islets exposed to isoflurane or propofol.SignificanceOur results indicate that isoflurane, but not propofol, decreases the ATP sensitivity of K_ATP channels and impairs glucose-stimulated insulin release. These differential actions of isoflurane and propofol on ATP sensitivity may explain the differential effects of isoflurane and propofol on insulin release.     

小型猪生物可降解支架置入术中不同麻醉方法的研究

目的比较两种不同麻醉方法对小型猪的麻醉效果。方法将12头小型猪随机分成两组,每组6头,一组是戊巴比妥钠复合氯胺酮静脉麻醉（Ⅰ组）,另一组是丙泊酚复合氯胺酮静脉麻醉（Ⅱ组）。麻醉后对动物实施心脏生物可降解支架置入术,观察动物麻醉起效时间、苏醒时间、麻醉效果、呼吸频率（RR）、心率（HR）、血氧饱和度（SpO2）及术后苏醒情况。结果两种方法麻醉后,动物分别在7.6±2.4 min（Ⅰ组）、2.4±1.4 min（Ⅱ组）进入麻醉状态（P〈0.05）。术后苏醒时间分别为30.8±8.8 min（Ⅰ组）、16.5±2.8min（Ⅱ组）（P〈0.05）,Ⅱ组动物比Ⅰ组动物苏醒平稳（P〈0.05）。两组心率及呼吸频率变化无明显差别,而氧饱和度在第10 min（Ⅰ组87%,Ⅱ组92%）和30 min（Ⅰ组94%,Ⅱ组89%）由于追加麻醉药后,两组值差异较大,但很快恢复正常。Ⅱ组麻醉效果较Ⅰ组麻醉效果好。结论两种麻醉方法均能达到良好的麻醉效果,丙泊酚复合氯胺酮麻醉较戊巴比妥钠复合氯胺酮麻醉的效果强且术后苏醒快,是一种比较理想的麻醉方法。     

Herbal monoterpene alcohols inhibit propofol metabolism and prolong anesthesia time

2,6-Diisopropylphenol (Propofol) is a short-acting intravenous anesthetic that is rapidly metabolized by glucuronidation and ring hydroxylation catalyzed by cytochrome P450. The goal of this research was to determine whether dietary monoterpene alcohols (MAs) could be used to prolong the anesthetic effect of propofol by inhibiting propofol metabolism in animals. Mice were injected intraperitoneally (i.p.) with MAs (100-200) mg/kg followed by the administration of 100 mg/kg propofol 40 min later via an i.p. injection. The time of the anesthesia of each mouse was recorded. It was found that (+/-)-borneol, (-)-carveol, trans-sobrerol, and menthol significantly extended the anesthetic effect of propofol (>3 times). The concentration of propofol in the mouse blood over time (up to 180 min) also increased in mice pre-treated with (-)-borneol, (-)-carveol, and trans-sobrerol. The volume of distribution of propofol decreased in the (-)-borneol (p<0.05), pre-treated group as compared to the propofol control group. Moreover, the maximum blood concentration of propofol and the concentration of propofol in the blood as indicated by the area under the curve were significantly increased in (-)-borneol and (-)-carveol pre-treated groups. Additional evidence using rat hepatocytes showed that (-)-borneol inhibited propofol glucuronidation whereas trans-sobrerol and (-)-carveol inhibited cytochrome P450 dependent microsomal aminopyrine N-demethylation. These results suggest that (-)-borneol extends propofol-induced anesthesia by inhibiting its glucuronidation in the mouse whereas trans-sobrerol (-)-carveol extends propofol-induced anesthesia by inhibiting P450 catalyzed propofol metabolism.     

丙泊酚复合麻醉在实验犬外科手术中的效果观察

目的丙泊酚复合麻醉应用于实验犬外科手术,进行效果评价。方法成年健康杂种犬13只,雌雄不限。术前30 min肌内注射阿托品0.5 mg,吗啡10 mg,进行气管插管,静脉注射氯胺酮50 mg,静脉注射丙泊酚首次剂量5 mg/kg体重,维持剂量1 mg/kg。结果丙泊酚复合麻醉,平均麻醉起效时间40 s,首次剂量平均维持17.3min,重复给药平均维持13.6 min,无死亡。丙泊酚有较强的麻醉效果,诱导时间短,起效快,恢复快速平稳,而且无副作用。结论丙泊酚复合麻醉适合于犬的外科手术实验,是一种较为理想的麻醉方法。     

丙泊酚与异氟醚麻醉对妇科腹腔镜手术患者血流动力学及应激反应的影响

目的:探究丙泊酚与异氟醚麻醉对接受妇科腹腔镜手术的患者应激激素以及血流动力学的影响。方法:选取我院妇科收治的需要进行腹腔镜手术的患者90例,根据麻醉用药不同,将其分为丙泊酚组、异氟醚组及实验组,每组各30例。观测患者不同时段去甲肾上腺素(NE)、肾上腺素(E)、皮质醇(COS)的浓度及心率、平均动脉压、呼吸频率、血氧饱和度等血流动力学参数的变化情况。结果:三组患者麻醉前及气腹20 min的去甲肾上腺素、肾上腺素以及皮质醇含量比较均无显著差异(P0.05);气腹前,实验组患者去甲肾上腺素含量显著低于丙泊酚组及异氟醚组(P0.05);放气10 min,实验组患者肾上腺水平显著高于丙泊酚组及异氟醚组(P0.05);三组患者麻醉前及气腹前的心率、平均动脉压、呼吸以及血氧饱和度比较均无显著差异(P0.05);气腹20 min,实验组患者的心率、平均动脉压、呼吸显著优于丙泊酚组及异氟醚组(P0.05);术后放气10 min,实验组患者的心率、平均动脉压、呼吸显著优于丙泊酚组及异氟醚组(P0.05);实验组患者术后出现恶心、呕吐等症状显著优于丙泊酚组及异氟醚组(P0.05)。结论:丙泊酚复合异氟醚可有效改善接受妇科腹腔镜手术的患者麻醉期间的应激反应和血流动力学,患者术后恶心、呕吐等不良反应少,值得推广使用。     

Apgar score after induction of anesthesia for canine cesarean section with alfaxalone versus propofol

The effects of alfaxalone and propofol on neonatal vitality were studied in 22 bitches and 81 puppies after their use as anesthetic induction agents for emergency cesarean section. After assessment that surgery was indicated, bitches were randomly allocated to receive alfaxalone 1 to 2 mg/kg body weight or propofol 2 to 6 mg/kg body weight for anesthetic induction. Both drugs were administered intravenously to effect to allow endotracheal intubation, and anesthesia was maintained with isoflurane in oxygen. Neonatal vitality was assessed using a modified Apgar score that took into account heart rate, respiratory effort, reflex irritability, motility, and mucous membrane color (maximum score = 10); scores were assigned at 5, 15, and 60 minutes after delivery. Neither the number of puppies delivered nor the proportion of surviving puppies up to 3 months after delivery differed between groups. Anesthetic induction drug and time of scoring were associated with the Apgar score, but delivery time was not. Apgar scores in the alfaxalone group were greater than those in the propofol group at 5, 15, and 60 minutes after delivery; the overall estimated score difference between the groups was 3.3 (confidence interval 95%: 1.6–4.9; P < 0.001). In conclusion, both alfaxalone and propofol can be safely used for induction of anesthesia in bitches undergoing emergency cesarean section. Although puppy survival was similar after the use of these drugs, alfaxalone was associated with better neonatal vitality during the first 60 minutes after delivery.     

结直肠癌根治术患者丙泊酚静脉麻醉期血液流变学及血流动力学变化及意义

目的:探讨结直肠癌根治术中丙泊酚静脉麻醉期患者血液流变学及血流动力学的变化及意义。方法:选择2014年3月-2015年3月我院择期行结直肠癌根治术的90例患者,按照随机数字表法分为实验组(n=45)和对照组(n=45),实验组采用丙泊酚静脉麻醉,对照组采用七氟烷(喜保福宁)吸入麻醉。记录麻醉前(T0)、诱导后90 min(T1)、诱导后150 min(T2)和进麻醉后监测治疗室(PACU)30 min(T3)4个时间点患者血液流变学及血流动力学指标,并进行比较分析。结果:实验组高切变率全血黏度、中切变率全血黏度、低切变率全血黏度在T1、T2和T3时较对照组下降显著(P0.05)。实验组心率(HR)、收缩压(SPB)在T2时均较T0显著下降(P0.05),但T3时又恢复到T0水平(P0.05),实验组和对照组舒张压(DBP)在T1、T2、T3时与T0时比较无显著性差异(P0.05)。结论:丙泊酚静脉麻醉可以降低结直肠癌患者的血液黏度,对患者血液动力学影响较小,是结直肠癌患者手术的理想麻醉药选择。     

Evoked response potential markers for anesthetic and behavioral states

The rodent whisker sensory system is a commonly used model of cortical processing; however, anesthetics cause profound differences in the shape and timing of evoked responses. Evoked response studies, especially those that use spatial mapping techniques, such as fMRI or optical imaging, will thus show significantly different results depending on the anesthesia used. To describe the effect of behavioral states and commonly used anesthetics, we characterized the early surface-evoked response potentials (ERPs) components (first ERP peak: gamma band 25-45 Hz; fast oscillation: 200-400 Hz; and very fast oscillation: 400-600 Hz) using a 25-channel electrode array on the somatosensory cortex during whisker stimulation. We found significant differences in the ERP shape when ketamine/xylazine, urethane, propofol, isoflurane, and pentobarbital sodium were administered and during sleep and wake states. The highest ERP amplitudes were observed under propofol anesthesia and during quiet sleep. Under isoflurane, the ERP was nearly absent, except for a very late component, which was concombinant with burst synchronization. The slowest responses were seen under urethane and propofol anesthesia. Spatial mapping experiments that use electrical, NMR, or optical techniques must consider the anesthetic dependency of these signals, especially when stimulation protocols or electrical and metabolic responses are compared.     

异丙酚复合咪达唑仑与舒芬太尼在老年无痛结肠镜检查的临床观察

目的:观察异丙酚复合咪达唑仑与舒芬太尼在老年无痛结肠镜检查的麻醉效果。方法:将2010年5月至2011年9月期间共126例患者随机分成3组,每组42例,即异丙酚组(A组),舒芬太尼+异丙酚组(B组),咪达唑仑+舒芬太尼+异丙酚组(C组)。比较各组用药前、术中及苏醒后的SBP、DBP、HR、SPO2,同时比较异丙酚用药总量、苏醒时间和留院观察时间。结果:三组患者在用药后5 min SBP、DBP、HR、SpO2均出现一定程度的下降,B组与C组SBP、DBP的组内比较有统计学差异(P0.05);A组HR组内比较有统计学意义(P0.05);三组患者的SBP、DBP、HR比较有统计学意义(P0.05);三组患者的异丙酚用量,恢复时间有统计学差异(P0.05);术后不良反应的比较无统计学意义(P0.05)。结论:异丙酚复合咪达唑仑与舒芬太尼是一种安全可行的无痛结肠镜麻醉方法,值得推广。     

Vital signs monitoring during injectable and inhalant anesthesia in mice

Selecting the appropriate anesthetic protocol for the individual animal is an essential part of laboratory animal experimentation. The present study compared the characteristics of four anesthetic protocols in mice, focusing on the vital signs. Thirty-two male ddY mice were divided into four groups and administered anesthesia as follows: pentobarbital sodium monoanaesthesia; ketamine and xylazine combined (K/X); medetomidine, midazolam, and butorphanol combined (M/M/B); and isoflurane. In each group, rectal temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, and O₂ saturation (SPO₂) were measured, and the changes over time and instability in these signs were compared. The anesthetic depth was also evaluated in each mouse, and the percentage of mice achieving surgical anesthesia was calculated. K/X anesthesia caused remarkable bradycardia, while the respiratory rate and SPO₂ were higher than with the others, suggesting a relatively strong cardiac influence and less respiratory depression. The M/M/B group showed a relatively lower heart rate and SPO₂, but these abnormalities were rapidly reversed by atipamezole administration. The pentobarbital group showed a lower SPO₂, and 62.5% of mice did not reach a surgical anesthetic depth. The isoflurane group showed a marked decrease in respiratory rate compared with the injectable anesthetic groups. However, it had the most stable SPO₂ among the groups, suggesting a higher tidal volume. The isoflurane group also showed the highest heart rate during anesthesia. In conclusion, the present study showed the cardiorespiratory characteristics of various anesthetic protocols, providing basic information for selecting an appropriate anesthetic for individual animals during experimentation.     

Diazepam and propofol used as anesthetics during open-heart surgery do not cause chromosomal aberrations in peripheral blood lymphocytes

Diazepam is a benzodiazepine with anticonvulsant, anxiolytic, sedative and muscle-relaxing properties. Many aspects of its toxicity have been investigated, including genotoxic and carcinogenic effects in various model systems. However, it is still unclear whether diazepam is in fact a genotoxic agent. Propofol is a rapid-onset, short-acting intravenous anesthetic agent. It is used widely for the induction and maintenance of anesthesia as well as for long-term sedation in intensive care units. There is limited information in the literature on its genotoxic effects. Both drugs are commonly used as anesthetic in patients undergoing open-heart surgery. Therefore, we investigated the possible genotoxic effects of propofol and diazepam in those patients, using a chromosomal aberration (CA) assay. Peripheral blood samples were collected from 45 patients before induction of anesthesia and at the end of the anesthesia with diazepam or propofol. In Group I (n=24), anesthesia was induced with 0.2 mg kg(-1) diazepam and 10 microg kg(-1) fentanyl. In Group II (n=21), anesthesia was induced with 1 mg kg(-1) propofol and 10 microg kg(-1) fentanyl. Pancuronium bromide (0.1 mg kg(-1)) was administered for skeletal muscle relaxation in both groups. Anesthesia was maintained by diazepam administration at 5 mg kg(-1) in Group I or by continuous propofol administration at 2-4 mg (kg h)(-1) in Group II. All patients received 0.02 mg kg(-1) pancuronium and 5 microg kg(-1) fentanyl boluses at 30-40 min intervals for anesthesia maintenance. Body temperature was controlled during bypass in the two groups. We found that the mean frequency of CAs in both groups before and at the end of the anesthesia were not statistically significantly different. Our analysis also indicated that age, smoking habit and gender were not confounding factors. In conclusion, our results indicate that diazepam and propofol do not exert genotoxic effects in blood cells during open-heart surgery.     

Survival of captive and free-ranging Harlequin Ducks (Histrionicus histrionicus) following surgical liver biopsy

We measured intra- and postoperative mortality rates of captive and free-ranging Harlequin Ducks (Histrionicus histrionicus) undergoing surgical liver biopsy sampling for determination of the induction of cytochrome P4501A, a biomarker of oil exposure. Liver biopsies were taken from and radio transmitters were implanted into 157 free-ranging Harlequin Ducks over three winters (55 in 2000, 55 in 2001, and 47 in 2002). No birds died during surgery, but seven (4.5%) died during recovery from anesthesia (three in 2001 and four in 2002). None of the deaths could be attributed directly to the liver biopsy. Four of the 150 (2.7%) birds that were released died in the 2 wk period after surgery. All post-release deaths occurred in 2001; no birds died after release in 2000 or 2002. No mortalities of 36 captive birds occurred during surgery or recovery or in the 2 wk period following surgery. Hemorrhage was a minor problem with one captive bird. Surgical liver biopsies appear to be a safe procedure, but anesthetic complications may occur with overwintering ducks.     

The use of propofol for electroejaculation in domestic cats

The objective was to evaluate the use of propofol as an anesthetic drug for electroejaculation in the domestic cat. Cortisol concentrations, heart rates and respiratory rates of 20 male domestic cats were examined. The animals were randomly allocated into three groups. Group A (n = 8), were anesthetized with propofol (10 mg/kg) and underwent electroejaculation. Group B (n = 6), were pre-medicated with buprenorphine (0.01 mg/kg), anesthetized with propofol (5 mg/kg) and underwent electroejaculation. Group C (n = 6), the cats were anesthetized with propofol (10 mg/kg) without electroejaculation (control group). Blood samples were collected at four time points (30 min before propofol administration, immediately after the surgical plane of anesthesia was induced, immediately post-electroejaculation, and at the onset of anesthetic recovery). In the control group, the sampling time coincident with the end of electroejaculation was assigned as 21 min after the induction of anesthesia. The mean (+/- S.E.M.) duration time for electroejaculation was 18 +/- 3 min. The duration of anesthesia did not differ (P > 0.05) among the three groups of cats (26 +/- 2 min). Most of the cats (17/20) recovered smoothly. Pre-anesthetic medication with buprenorphine did not reduce the requirement of propofol for anesthesia. The cortisol concentrations, heart rates and respiratory rates of the three groups of cats did not differ (P > 0.05). A marked decline in cortisol levels was observed immediately post-electroejaculation. Propofol was a useful anesthetic for electroejaculation in felids with rapid onset, optimal duration of anesthesia for performing electroejaculation, and smooth recovery.     

The timing of propofol administration affects the effectiveness of remote ischemic preconditioning induced cardioprotection in rats

The cardioprotection of remote ischemic preconditioning (RIPC) is abolished under propofol maintained anesthesia. Transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) channel is present in the heart, and its activation could induce cardioprotection. Therefore, we tested whether the anesthetic propofol administration phase interfered with the RIPC-induced cardioprotection, and RIPC-induced cardioprotection via the cardiac TRPV1 channel. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to myocardial 30 minutes of ischemia followed by 2 hours of reperfusion. RIPC consisted of three cycles of 5-minute ischemia/reperfusion applied to a hindlimb. Propofol infusion at 12 mg/kg/h was commenced either at 10 minutes before the start of RIPC in the P-pre + RIPC group, or immediately after myocardial ischemia at the onset of reperfusion (P-post + RIPC) while performing RIPC. These two propofol infusion regimes were applied to another two grou bs without RIPC (P-pre and P-post groups). Infarct size (IS) was assessed by triphenyltetrazolium staining. Heart TRPV1 expression was detected by Western blot and immunofluorescence. RIPC significantly reduced myocardial IS compared with the control group (36.7 ± 3% versus 57.2 ± 4%; P < .01). When propofol was started before RIPC, the IS sparing effect of RIPC was completely abolished. However, propofol infusion starting immediately after myocardial ischemia did not affect RIPC-induced cardioprotection. TRPV1 expression significant increase after RIPC, then propofol inhibited the TRPV1 activation of RIPC if given before RIPC but not after. Our results suggest that the timing of propofol administration is critical to preserve the cardioprotection of RIPC. Propofol might cancel RIPC-induced cardioprotection via the cardiac TRPV1 receptor.