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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 30, 2026

Assessment of Memory Function in Pilocarpine-induced Epileptic Mice
13:34

Assessment of Memory Function in Pilocarpine-induced Epileptic Mice

Published on: June 4, 2020

Spatial memory is intact in aged rats after propofol anesthesia.

In Ho Lee1, Deborah J Culley, Mark G Baxter

  • 1Department of Anesthesiology, Korea University Guro Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea.

Anesthesia and Analgesia
|September 23, 2008
PubMed
Summary

Propofol anesthesia in aged rats showed no lasting spatial working memory impairment, unlike other anesthetics. This suggests anesthetic choice may influence long-term cognitive outcomes in older individuals.

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Anesthesiology
  • Gerontology

Background:

  • Aged rats exhibit persistent spatial memory deficits after nitrous oxide or isoflurane-nitrous oxide anesthesia.
  • Propofol, with distinct mechanisms and rapid recovery, is hypothesized to lack enduring cognitive effects.
  • Previous research has not examined propofol's long-term impact on cognition in aged subjects.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the long-term effects of propofol anesthesia on spatial working memory in aged rats.
  • To compare propofol's cognitive impact with previously studied anesthetics in aged populations.

Main Methods:

  • Eighteen-month-old rats received 2 hours of oxygen-propofol anesthesia or oxygen-only control.
  • Spatial working memory was assessed over 14 days using a 12-arm radial maze post-anesthesia.

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 30, 2026

Assessment of Memory Function in Pilocarpine-induced Epileptic Mice
13:34

Assessment of Memory Function in Pilocarpine-induced Epileptic Mice

Published on: June 4, 2020

  • Data on errors and maze completion time were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA.

    • Main Results:

    • Propofol anesthesia was administered at a rate of 0.6+/-0.1 mg.kg(-1).min(-1), maintaining stable blood pressure and normal blood gases.
    • No significant differences in radial arm maze performance were observed between propofol-anesthetized and control aged rats.
    • Propofol anesthesia did not produce lasting spatial working memory impairment in aged rats.

    Conclusions:

    • Propofol anesthesia is not associated with persistent memory deficits in aged rats, contrasting with other anesthetics.
    • General anesthesia itself may not be necessary for postanesthetic memory impairment.
    • Anesthetic selection appears to be a critical factor in determining long-term cognitive outcomes in the aged.