propofol effects would be an addition to the already existing
animal models for examining the pharmacological
and toxicological effects of general anesthetics [13,24].
Neuropharmacological effects are vital issues to be taken
into consideration in any study involving animal models
used to examine anesthetic and non-anesthetic effects
of general anesthetics [25]. Despite the reported central
nervous system (CNS) depressant effects of propofol in
the avian species [6–12], the information on the pharmacological
and toxicological actions of propofol in the
chicken from behavioral point of view is rather scarce
[4,26]. One study reported the cardiopulmonary effects
of propofol anesthesia in adult chickens preanesthetized
with isoflurane [27]. More recently we reported an isobolographic
analysis of combined sedative and hypnotic uses
of propofol with the dissociative anesthetic ketamine and
the sedative analgesic xylazine in chicks [28]. Therefore,
the present study explores the toxicity and pharmacobehavioral
effects of propofol in 7–10 day-old chicks.
Specifically, the aim of the present study lies in two categories.
First, we attempted to characterize and examine
non-anesthetic and potential therapeutic actions (sedation,
analgesia, anti-inflammation, hypoactivity and sleep)
of propofol which would be an added information in the
avian practice and the chick model of examining subanesthetic
effects of the drug. Second, we examined the acute
toxicity of propofol to set a benchmark of toxic response
and the drug margin of safety in chicks and whether the
central depressant effect can be antagonized by the acetylcholinesterase
inhibitor physostigmine.