Neural Regeneration Research, 2015 · DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.170312 · Published: November 1, 2015
This study investigates whether administering propofol directly into the spinal fluid (intrathecally) can protect the spinal cord from damage caused by a lack of blood flow (ischemia). Propofol is a common anesthetic drug with known neuroprotective properties. The researchers tested different doses of propofol in rats with induced spinal cord ischemia. They then assessed the rats' neurological function and examined spinal cord tissue for signs of damage. The findings suggest that propofol, when given intrathecally before spinal cord ischemia, can help reduce damage and improve outcomes. This indicates a potential new approach to protect the spinal cord during surgeries that may interrupt blood flow.
Intrathecal propofol could be used as a prophylactic measure in surgeries with a high risk of spinal cord ischemia, such as thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair.
The study highlights the potential benefits of intrathecal drug delivery for neurological conditions, allowing for targeted and effective treatment with lower doses.
Additional studies are needed to elucidate the exact mechanisms of propofol's neuroprotective effects and to determine the optimal dosage and timing for clinical applications.