Propofol and Ketamine Only Inhibit Intracellular Ca2+Transients and Contraction in Rat Ventricular Myocytes at Supraclinical Concentrations

Abstract

These results indicate that both intravenous anesthetic agents have a direct negative inotropic effect, which is mediated by a decrease in the availability of [Ca2+]i. Propofol but not ketamine may also alter sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ handling and increase myofilament Ca2+ sensitivity. The effects of propofol and ketamine are primarily apparent at supraclinical concentrations, however.