Modulatory Effect of Ascorbic Acid on Propofol-Induced Anaesthesia in Goats

Veronica Inyamu Ochigbo

doi:10.11648/j.ja.20170503.11

Abstract

Ascorbic acid modulates the central nervous system either physiologically or pharmacologically, and has been proposed to function as a neuromodulator. The effect of ascorbic acid (AA, vitamin C) on some physiological parameters, onset and duration of anaesthesia following propofol anaesthesia was evaluated in goats. A total of 24 goats divided into four groups, comprising five goats each in groups I and II, and seven goats each in groups III and IV were used for the experiment. Groups I and II served as control for AA (200 mg/kg) and propofol (5 mg/kg) intravenous treatments, respectively; while groups III and IV received AA at 200 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg, respectively before propofol anaesthesia. The result showed that AA significantly (P < 0.05) decreased the onset of anaesthesia and increased the duration of propofol anaesthesia in goats. AA (300 mg/kg) induced a decrease (P < 0.05) in respiratory rate during anaesthesia, but there were no significant changes in heart rate and rectal temperature in the groups. In conclusion, AA potentiated the effect of propofol – induced anaesthesia in goats without alteration in heart rate and rectal temperature.

Highlights

Anaesthesia is seldom accomplished by a single drug because no single drug is able to provide all components of anaesthesia without seriously compromising haemodynamic and/or respiratory function, reducing operating conditions or delaying postoperative recovery [1]
There was a significant decrease in the onset of anaesthesia of goats in group IV when compared to that of group II or group III goats (Table 1)
Goats that received Ascorbic acid (AA) alone were not anaesthetised while administration of 200 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg AA before propofol injection induced anaesthesia; with the onset time of 2.57 ± 0.30 seconds and 2.00 ± 0.22 seconds, respectively

Summary

Introduction

Anaesthesia is seldom accomplished by a single drug because no single drug is able to provide all components of anaesthesia without seriously compromising haemodynamic and/or respiratory function, reducing operating conditions or delaying postoperative recovery [1]. Propofol is a popular intravenous (IV) anaesthetic drug, used for induction and maintenance of general anaesthesia owing to its rapid onset and short duration [2]. The rapid onset, short duration of action and with rapid recoveries makes propofol useful in ruminants, in which these features are desirable [3]. Propofol contains a phenolic O-H group [8], and many polyphenols have antioxidant properties [9]. It has been reported that propofol may replace α-tocopherol (vitamin E) as an antioxidant [8] as it chemically resembles α- tocopherol which has a phenolic hydroxyl group. Propofol is a potent inhibitor of lipid peroxidation [10]

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion