Interaction of propofol with recombinant AMPA receptors

The interaction of the anaestetic propofol with recombinant human AMPA-type glutamate receptor channels was investigated by a patch clamp study using fast agonist application techniques. Despite the marked effects of propofol on inhibitory synaptic transmission and voltage gated sodium channels, there is also evidence for a specific pharmacological action on AMPA receptors. In our study, we observed a deceleration of AMPA receptor channel desensitisation in the prolonged presence of glutamate and propofol that is likely to account for the enhancement of ion currents through AMPA receptor channels observed in pre…