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Propofol


Mechanism of action:

Propofol is an alkylphenol derivative. Propofol binds to the hydrophobic cavity formed by the transmembrane region of the beta subunit and the alpha subunit of the GABA_A receptor, enhances the effect of GABA on this receptor, and prolongs the opening time of the chloride channel, resulting in neuronal membrane hyperpolarization and marked suppression of neuronal firing.

Reference(s):

1. Vasile B et al. (2003). The pathophysiology of propofol infusion syndrome: a simple name for a complex syndrome. Intensive Care Med. 


2. Ke JJ et al. (2008). A comparison of the effect of total intravenous anaesthesia with propofol and remifentanil and inhalational anaesthesia with isoflurane on the release of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in patients undergoing open cholecystectomy. Anaesth Intensive Care. 


3. Hong JY et al. (2008). Anaesthesia for day case excisional breast biopsy: propofol-remifentanil compared with sevoflurane-nitrous oxide. Eur J Anaesthesiol.

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