Propofol: effects on indices of cerebral ischemia

The effects of propofol given before and during a period of profound hypotension that caused incomplete global cerebral ischaemia were investigated in anaesthetised cats. Cortical cerebral blood flow, extracellular fluid pH, potassium and calcium ion activities, and electroencephalogram were recorded. Neuropathological outcome was also assessed. Propofol-treated animals had higher cerebral blood flows than control animals after the period of hypotension (p <0.05); they also had better correction of extracellular fluid acidosis and hyperkalaemia (p <0.01) and a late improvement in calcium ion activity (p <0.05). Neuropathological outcome was not significantly different between the groups.