Effect of propofol on spontaneous transient outward K+ currents in mouse cerebral arterial smooth muscle cells

Objective To investigate the effects of propofol on the spontaneous transient outward K+ currents in mouse cerebral arterial smooth muscle cells.Methods Kunming mice of both sexes,weighing 18-22 g,were used in this study.Vascular smooth muscle cells were freshly isolated from cerebral arteries in two steps.Five cells were chosen and studied.When holding potential was - 30 mV,spontaneous transient outward K+ currents were recorded before and after the application of 56 μmol/L propofol by perforated whole-cell patch-clamp technique.The amplitude,frequency,area under the curve and half time width of spontaneous transient outward K+ currents were analyzed.Results Propofol 56 μmol/L significantly increased the amplitude,frequency and area under the curve of spontaneous transient outward K+ currents.There was no significant change in the half time width of spontaneous transient outward K+ currents after administration,Conclusion Propofol can activate spontaneous transient outward K+ currents in mouse cerebral arterial smooth muscle cells,and thus induces vascular smooth muscle relaxation. Key words: Propofol;  Potassium channels, calcium-activated;  Muscle, smooth, vascular;  Cerebral arteries