Objective:To investigate the effects of propofol on cell viability and apoptosis in primary cultured cortical neurons of newborn rats.Methods:Primary culture was prepared from newborn rat

and cultured for 6 days.Immunocytochemical and electronic Micoscopic methods were used to identify the cultured neurons.Cells were treated by propofol with different concentrations and at different times.The effects of propofol on neurons were evaluated by cell viability(MTT assay)and markers of apoptosis(TUNEL cell staining and Western-blot of Cleaved-caspase3).Results:There were no significant differences in cell viability among the six groups after 12 h

whereas high concentration of propofol caused an increase in neuronal cell viability after 24 h and 48 h.Propofol incubation for 24 h triggered apoptosis on the neurons(P<0.05)and up regulated Cleaved-caspase3 of neurons in a concentration dependent manner(P<0.05). Conclusion:Propofol treatment with long time and high concentration significantly decreased the cell viability and promoted the cell apoptosis.The present results offered guidance for children anesthesia in clinic.