Experimental Conditions Are Important Determinants of Cardiac Inotropic Effects of Propofol

Abstract

These results demonstrate that temperature and stimulation frequency alter the inhibitory effect of propofol on cardiomyocyte [Ca2+]i and contraction. In isolated cardiomyocytes, the inhibitory effects of propofol are more pronounced during hypothermia and at higher stimulation frequencies and involve activation of protein kinase C. In Langendorff perfused hearts at constant heart rate, the inhibitory effects of propofol at clinically relevant concentrations are more pronounced during normothermic conditions.