Propofol MOA?

Propofol MOA?

• A. NMDA receptor antagonism
• B. GABA-B receptor agonist
• C. Inhibition of voltage-gated calcium channels
• D. GABA-A receptor agonist

Answer: (D)

Propofol produces anesthesia by enhancing the inhibitory effects of GABA in the brain through the GABA_A receptor. It acts as a positive allosteric modulator, increasing the chloride ion influx when GABA binds, which hyperpolarizes neurons and dampens their activity. This potentiation of GABA_A receptor function leads to rapid hypnosis and amnesia. It’s distinct from NMDA receptor antagonism (typical of ketamine), GABA-B receptor agonism (e.g., baclofen), or voltage-gated calcium channel inhibition, which are not the primary actions of propofol. So the best description is that propofol increases GABA_A receptor activity, producing CNS depression and anesthesia.

Propofol produces anesthesia by enhancing the inhibitory effects of GABA in the brain through the GABA_A receptor. It acts as a positive allosteric modulator, increasing the chloride ion influx when GABA binds, which hyperpolarizes neurons and dampens their activity. This potentiation of GABA_A receptor function leads to rapid hypnosis and amnesia. It’s distinct from NMDA receptor antagonism (typical of ketamine), GABA-B receptor agonism (e.g., baclofen), or voltage-gated calcium channel inhibition, which are not the primary actions of propofol. So the best description is that propofol increases GABA_A receptor activity, producing CNS depression and anesthesia.