Abstract: AIM: To research alterations of c-fos mRNA in rabbit hippocampus during propofol anesthesia. METHODS: 30 rabbits randomly allocated into 3 groups:control group, shallow anesthetic group and deep anesthetic group.Each group had 10 rabbits.The expression levels of c-fos mRNA in different anesthetic depths in hippocampal CA1, CA3, and DG were observed using target-controlled infusion of propofol.RESULTS: As the anesthetic depth increased, the levels of c-fos mRNA in hippocampal CA1 and DG increased significantly compared with control group.The levels of c-fos mRNA in hippocampal CA3 had no significant change in all groups. CONCLUSION: Propofol affects the expression of c-fos mRNA, subsequently influences fos-related gene transcription and its anesthetic action.The influence differs in different brain regions.

Key words: propofol, target-controlled infusion, anestheticdepth, c-fos, hippocampus