Propofol inhibited the excitability of pyramidal neurons in the orbitofrontal cortex by influencing the delayed rectifier K+ channels and γ-aminobutyric acid type A receptors.

Propofol anesthesia caused loss of consciousness and cognitive decline. The neural mechanism for this phenomenon still remains elusive. Orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) plays a crucial role in controlling arousal and cognitive flexibility.