Propofol Impairs the Central but Not the Peripheral Part of the Motor System

Authors:
  • MDMichael H. Dueck
    Michael H. Dueck
  • AOAloys Oberthuer
    Aloys Oberthuer
  • CWChristoph Wedekind
    Christoph Wedekind
  • MPMatthias Paul
    Matthias Paul
  • UBUlf Boerner
    Ulf Boerner
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Abstract
Was induced and maintained with fentanyl and midazolam. Neuromuscular blocking drugs were not administered. To investigate the central portion of the motor system, we monitored spinal F waves, an electrophysiologic variable of α-motoneuron excitability. Direct electrophysiologic muscle responses (M waves) and mechanomyography were studied to detect the peripheral effects of propofol on neuromuscular transmission or muscle contraction strength. After baseline recordings, 3 IV boluses of propofol (2 times 1 mg/kg followed by 2 mg/kg) were administered at 5-min intervals. Mean F-wave amplitudes were significantly reduced compared with baseline measurements (mean ± sd, 0.22 ± 0.13 mV) after the first (0.13 ± 0.08 mV;P < 0.05), second (0.08 ± 0.09 mV;P < 0.05), and third (0.03 ± 0.04 mV;P < 0.01) propofol injections. M-wave amplitudes and mechanomyography signals remained unchanged. Our data suggest that the central part, but not the peripheral part, of the motor system is impaired after bolus administration of propofol....

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