PROPOFOL PRODUCES ANTICONFLICT ACTION BY INHIBITING 5-HT RELEASE IN RAT DORSAL HIPPOCAMPUS

WE examined the effect of propofol, an injectable anesthetic agent on conflict behavior in a Vogel type conflict test and on release of sero tonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) in the dorsal hippocampus using an i n vivo microdialysis method in rats. Propofol (20 and 40 mg/kg, i.p.) dose-dependently suppressed elevated 5-HT release normally seen in a c onflict situation and concomitantly attenuated conflict behavior. Thes e findings suggest that propofol exerts an antianxiety action by inhib iting 5-HT neuronal activity in the dorsal hippocampus.