Inhibitory effects of propofol on tetramine-induced epilepsy in rats and its mechanism

Objective: To observe the inhibitory effect of propofol on tetramine-induced epilepsy in rats and its mechanism. Methods: Sixty-four SD rats were divided into blank group,epilepsy group,and intralipid,diazepam and propofol（25,50,75,100mg/kg）groups.EEG was recorded for 5h and survival rate after 24h,was used as a criterion for observing the inhibitory effect of propofol on epilepsy in rats.Western blotting was employed to determine the cortical and hippocampal expression of GABAA receptor α₁ subunit in rats with epilepsy. Results: Propofol improved the seizure of epilepsy in a dose dependent-manner. Compared with epilepsy and intralipid groups,the frequency and amplitude were significantly decreased in the other three groups.Propofol at a dose of 50mg/kg could significantly up-regulate the expression of GABAA receptor α₁ subunit. Conclusion: Propofol can effectively inhibit tetramine-induced epilepsy by up-regulating the expression of GABAA receptor α₁ subunit.