Microinjection of propofol into the perifornical area induces sedation with decreasing cortical acetylcholine release in rats.

Background: Among many neurotransmitter systems in the central nervous system, the cholinergic system has been shown to contribute to propofol's sedative/anesthetic effects, because it has been shown that cholinesterase inhibitor reverses the level of propofol-induced unconsciousness in humans. It has been reported that intraperitoneal injection of propofol induced sedative/anesthetic actions and decreased the release of acetylcholine (Ach) from the rat cortex. However, the sites of action of propofol in the cholinergic pathway and its related pathways remain unresolved.

A new approach for observing cerebral cisterns and ventricles via a percutaneous lumbosacral route by using fine, flexible fiberscopes.

Object: To establish a new method for the diagnosis of central nervous system diseases, the authors visualized the cerebral cisterns and ventricles via a percutaneous lumbosacral route by using newly developed fine, flexible fiberscopes.

Methods: Fine, flexible fiberscopes, 0.9 and 1.

Differential responses of porcine anterior spinal and middle cerebral arteries to carbon dioxide and pH.

Objective: Dysfunction of the anterior spinal arteries (ASAs) may induce paresis or paraplegia after thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm or spine surgery. However, there have been no reports of the effects of CO2 and pH on ASAs. Information on these effects on ASAs might contribute to the perioperative management or critical care of spinal cord function.