Propofol inhibits neuronal firing activities in the caudal ventrolateral medulla.

Much evidence indicates that the caudal ventrolateral medulla (CVLM) is a major tonic inhibitory area in the medulla oblongata, a cardiovascular control center. For example, electrolytic lesions in the CVLM or chemical inactivation of CVLM neurons by inhibitory substances such as glycine, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) or its angonist muscimol, or opioids result in a pressor response which increases blood pressure. On the contrary, electrical or chemical stimulation of CVLM neurons by excitatory substances such as glutamate or angiotensin II produces a depressor response. The CVLM has been demonstrated to project inhibitory neuronal transmission directly to the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) to modulate neuronal activities there. Therefore, the CVLM is Propofol Inhibits Neuronal Firing Activities in the Caudal Ventrolateral Medulla