Propofol in rabbits. 1. Determination of an induction dose.

Propofol was evaluated as an intravenous agent for induction of anesthesia in 94 non-premedicated New Zealand White rabbits (mean body weight 3.25 kg). Lack of chewing oral introduction of an endotracheal tube was chosen as the end-point in signaling loss of consciousness. A rapid and excitement-free loss of consciousness was observed. Using probit analysis, a 50% effective dose of 6.44 mg/kg was calculated. No statistically significant difference between genders was shown. Independent of the dose administered, recovery was rapid and smooth.