The Effects of Propofol on Neural and Endothelial Control of In Situ Rat Mesenteric Vascular Smooth Muscle Transmembrane Potentials

Abstract

Vascular smooth muscle (VSM) contractile force responses to the IV anesthetic, propofol, were indirectly assessed by VSM membrane potential changes to clarify the mechanisms underlying attenuation of peripheral vascular control of arterial blood pressure. Results indicate that propofol-induced VSM membrane hyperpolarization and coupled reduction of VSM contractile force underlie such attenuation.