[Inhibition of transient outward potassium current in rat ventricular myocytes by propofol]

Whole-cell patch-clamp technique was applied to investigate the effect of propofol (25, 50 mumol/L) on transient outward potassium current (Ito) in rat ventricular myocytes. It was shown that the amplitude of Ito was decreased significantly after exposure to propofol. The effect is partially reversible after washing. At applied potential > or = 0 mV, statistical significant differences reached between propofol (25 and 50 mumol/L) group and the control group could be found. The voltage-dependent manner and the outward rectifier character were not affected by the drug at the two concentrations. It seems possible that the inhibition of potassium channels by propofol could underlie, at least in part, its beneficial effects in various cardiovascular diseases, including certain types of cardiac arrhythmia.