Propofol and sevoflurane induce distinct burst suppression patterns in rats

• Main Authors: Westover, M. Brandon (Contributor), Ching, ShiNung (Author), Brown, Emery N. (Contributor), Solt, Ken (Contributor), Kenny, Jonathan Dillion (Contributor)
• Other Authors: Harvard University- (Contributor), Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences (Contributor)
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Frontiers Research Foundation, 2015-02-11T18:39:59Z.
• Subjects: Article
• Online Access: Get fulltext

Burst suppression is an EEG pattern characterized by alternating periods of high-amplitude activity (bursts) and relatively low amplitude activity (suppressions). Burst suppression can arise from several different pathological conditions, as well as from general anesthesia. Here we review current algorithms that are used to quantify burst suppression, its various etiologies, and possible underlying mechanisms. We then review clinical applications of anesthetic-induced burst suppression. Finally, we report the results of our new study showing clear electrophysiological differences in burst suppression patterns induced by two common general anesthetics, sevoflurane and propofol. Our data suggest that the circuit mechanisms that generate burst suppression activity may differ among general anesthetics.
National Institutes of Health (U.S.) (Grant TR01-GM104948)
National Institutes of Health (U.S.) (Grant K08-GM094394)