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Spatio-temporal electroencephalographic power distribution in experimental pigs receiving propofol
Alessandro Mirra1, Darren Hight2, Claudia Spadavecchia1
1Vetsuisse Faculty, Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Anesthesiology and Pain Therapy Section, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
Plos One
|May 14, 2024
Summary
In juvenile pigs, the prefrontal region exhibits the highest electroencephalographic (EEG) power during wakefulness and propofol anesthesia. This area shows the most significant EEG power changes with increasing propofol doses, aiding in depth of anesthesia assessment.
Area of Science:
- Anesthesiology
- Neuroscience
- Veterinary Medicine
Background:
- Human studies show anesthetic-induced EEG power shifts from occipital to prefrontal regions (anteriorization), correlating with consciousness loss.
- Spatio-temporal EEG power distribution and anesthetic modulation in pigs remain undescribed.
Purpose of the Study:
- Characterize EEG power distribution during wakefulness in pigs.
- Analyze spatio-temporal EEG power modifications during propofol infusion.
- Identify brain regions with significant EEG power modulation across propofol doses.
Main Methods:
- Six juvenile pigs (33.3 ± 3.6 kg) underwent EEG recording at occipital, parietal, and prefrontal sites.
- Propofol doses increased incrementally (10 mg kg-1 h-1 every 15 min).
- Generalized linear mixed models assessed EEG power across regions and propofol doses.
Main Results:
- Highest EEG power consistently observed in the prefrontal region (p<0.001) during wakefulness and propofol infusion.
- Total and band-specific EEG power increased until 20 mg kg-1 h-1 propofol, then decreased at 30 mg kg-1 h-1.
- The prefrontal region demonstrated the most pronounced EEG power differences across propofol doses.
Conclusions:
- The prefrontal cortex in juvenile pigs shows highest EEG power and greatest dose-dependent modulation by propofol.
- Assessing prefrontal EEG spectral activity may help distinguish depth of anesthesia levels in pigs.
