The Effect of Propofol on the Hippocampus in Chronic Cerebral Hypoxia in a Rat Model Through Klotho Regulation.

Abstract

Chronic cerebral hypoxia often leads to brain damage and inflammation. Propofol is suggested to have neuroprotective effects under anaesthesia. This study used rat models with carotid artery coarctation or closure. Four groups of rats were compared: a control group, a propofol-treated group, a group with bilateral common carotid artery blockage (BCAO), and a BCAO group treated with propofol post-surgery. The Morris water maze test indicated cognitive impairment in BCAO rats, which also showed hippocampal structure changes, oxidative stress markers alteration, and reduced Klotho expression. Propofol treatment post-BCAO surgery improved these outcomes, suggesting its potential in mitigating chronic cerebral hypoxia effects. Propofol may increase klotho levels and reduce apoptosis and inflammation linked to oxidative stress in cognitively impaired mice.