Propofol does not reduce infarct volume in rats undergoing permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion

As propofol has been reported to have effects similar to those of thiopentone on cerebral blood flow, intracranial pressure and cerebral metabolic rate, we postulated that it might also have a protective effect on focal cerebral ischemia. This experiment was designed to test whether or not propofol can alter infarct volume resulting from permanent focal cerebral ischemia in rats. Forty-five rats were randomly assigned to three groups, all of which received xylaxine (5 mg kg-1 im) and ketamine (100 mg kg-1 ip) anesthesia. Rectal temperatures were controlled at 36-37 degrees C. A right temporal craniotomy was performed and the middle cerebral artery (MCA) was ligated with a 10-O suture. Both common carotid arteries (CCAs) were then occluded for 60 minutes using aneurysm clips. In Group 1 rats (n = 15), normal saline (1 ml kg-1 i.v.) was given right after MCA and CCAs ligation. In Group 2 rats (N = 15), propofol (10 mg kg-1 i.v. bolus) was given right after MCA and CCAs ligation. In Group 3 rats (n = 15), continuous intravenous infusion of propofol (16 mg kg-1 hr-1) was given for four hours following MCA and CCAs ligation, during which time mean arterial pressure was maintained approximately 90 mmHg. Twenty-four hours after ischemia, the brains were removed, frozen, sectioned and stained with 2% 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride. The cross-sectional area of infarction on each brain slice was measured using computer imaging analysis.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)