Background::
Propofol is an intravenous agent for clinical anesthesia. As the influence of the hypobaric-
hypoxic environment (Qinghai-Tibetan region, altitude: 2800-4300 m, PaO2: 15.1-12.4 kPa) on the
metabolism of Propofol is complex, the research results on the metabolic characteristics of Propofol in high-
-altitude areas remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the pharmacokinetic characteristics of Propofol
in a high-altitude hypoxic environment using animal experiments.
Methods::
Rats were randomly divided into three groups: high-altitude, medium-altitude, and plain groups.
The time of disappearance and recovery of the rat righting reflex was recorded as the time of anesthesia induction
and awakening, respectively. The plasma concentration of Propofol was determined by gas chromatography-
mass spectrometry. A pharmacokinetic analysis software was used to analyze the blood-drug concentrations
and obtain the pharmacokinetic parameters.
Results::
We observed that when Propofol anesthetizes rats, the anesthesia induction time was shortened, and
the recovery time was prolonged with increased altitude. Compared with the plain group, the clearance of
Propofol decreased, whereas the half-life, area under the concentration-time curve, peak plasma concentration,
and average residence time extension increased.
Conclusion::
The pharmacokinetic characteristics of Propofol are significantly altered in high-altitude hypoxic
environments.