Abstract: Objective: This study was designed to examine the effects of propofol on embryonic- and α7- nicotinic acetylcholine receptors with whole cell clamp patch. Methods: The embryonic- and α7-nicotinic acetylcholine receptors were heterologously expressed in HEK293 cells and activated to maximal currents by the application of acetylcholine (100μmol/l). Peak currents were recorded in HEK293 cells treated by propofol using whole cell patch clamp technique. Results: Propofol produced rapid and readily reversible, concentration-dependent inhibition. The potence of propofol is greater to embryonic-nicotinic acetylcholine receptor compared to α7-nicotinic acetylcholien receptor(P<0.05), Propofol wasn’t result in dose-dependent inhibition of the embryonic- and α7- nicotinic acetylcholine receptors(P>0.05). Conclusion: the interactions of combination of muscle relaxants with dissimilar structure, rocuronium and atracurium, were synergistic to both adult- and embryonic- nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and with similar structure, rocuronium and vecuronium, were synergistic to adult- nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and additive to embryonic- nicotinic acetylcholine receptors.

Key words: embryonic- nicotinic acetylcholine receptor, alpha-acetylcholine receptor, propofol