ABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the role of NMDA receptors in central medial thalamus (CMT) in the unconscious?ness induced by general anesthesia. Methods A total of 60 rat models for microinfusion were assigned into 4 groups (n=15 for each group). After induction with propofol, 10 mmol/L (NMDA10 group), 20 mmol/L (NMDA 20 group) and 40 mmol/L (NMDA40 group) of NMDA and normal saline (group C) with equal volume were microinfused into CMT. The incidence of purposeful movement and recovery time of righting reflex were observed in each group respectively. Infusion sites were local?ized by histological method. Results When the microinfusion site localized within CMT, comparing with group C, the recov?ery time of righting reflex reduced notably in three NMDA groups (P0.05). Conclusion Microinfusion of NMDA agonist into CMT reverses propofol anesthesia, indicating that NMDA receptor in CMT may contribute to the propofol-induced unconsciousness.