Disposition of propofol between red blood cells, plasma, brain and cerebrospinal fluid in rabbits

The disposition of propofol in the blood and brain of New Zealand rabbits w as studied in three groups of six rabbits. One group received a single anae sthetic dose; a second group received a 1-h infusion; and a third group was studied after the rabbits were judged to have recovered from a 1-h infusio n. There was a high concentration of propofol in the red blood cell fractio n and in the brain, however, the red blood cell concentration largely excee ded the one found in the brain in all groups of animals. This is consistent with the high fat solubility of diisopropylphenol. The possible effects of propofol sequestered in red blood cells is discussed.