Propofol
Based on 24 publication(s) in Google Scholar
Propofol potently and directly activates GABAA receptor and inhibits glutamate receptor mediated excitatory synaptic transmission. Propofol has antinociceptive properties and is used for sedation and hypnotic.
For research use only. We do not sell to patients.
- Purity: 99.82%
- CAS No.: 2078-54-8
- Formula: C12H18O
- Molecular Weight:178.27
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Storage:Pure form -20°C, 3 years , 4°C, 2 years ; In solvent -80°C, 6 months , -20°C, 1 month
Publications Citing Use of MedChemExpress (MCE) Propofol
More- Sci Adv. 2025 Dec 5;11(49):eadw7972. [Abstract]
- Br J Pharmacol. 2026 Apr 29. [Abstract]
- Int J Mol Med. 2026 May;57(5):115. [Abstract]
- Drug Des Devel Ther. 2026 Mar 10:20:566272. [Abstract]
- Inflammation. 2021 Aug;44(4):1288-1301. [Abstract]
- FASEB J. 2025 Dec 31;39(24):e71337. [Abstract]
- Drug Dev Res. 2024 Sep;85(6):e22242. [Abstract]
- Sci Rep. 2026 May 21. [Abstract]
- Neurotoxicology. 2024 May:102:81-95. [Abstract]
- Neurochem Res. 2024 Oct;49(10):2743-2762. [Abstract]
- Hum Exp Toxicol. 2025 Jan-Dec:44:9603271251336467. [Abstract]
- Front Biosci (Landmark Ed). 2022 Nov 8;27(11):303. [Abstract]
- Discov Oncol. 2023 Jul 25;14(1):137. [Abstract]
- Neuroscience. 2025 Nov 10:587:81-89. [Abstract]
- BMC Anesthesiol. 2022 Mar 9;22(1):65. [Abstract]
- Eur J Neurosci. 2021 Dec;54(11):7775-7789. [Abstract]
- Exp Ther Med. 2023 Mar 14;25(4):187. [Abstract]
- Oncol Lett. 2025 Feb 21;29(4):194. [Abstract]
- Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2022 Jan 1:586:121-128. [Abstract]
- Oncol Lett. 2020 Jul;20(1):810-816. [Abstract]
- Arch Oral Biol. 2025 Oct 15:181:106429. [Abstract]
- Res Sq. 2026 Mar 11.
- SSRN. 2025 Sep 3.
- SSRN. 2025 Jun 18.
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WB
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Apoptosis Analysis
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WB
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IHC
All Endogenous Metabolite Isoforms
More
Biological Activity
GABAA[1]
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Cell Line
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Type | Value | Description | References |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A549 | EC50 |
9.55 mM
Compound: 12; Diprivan(R)
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Cytotoxicity against human A549 cells after 24 hrs by MTT assay
Cytotoxicity against human A549 cells after 24 hrs by MTT assay
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[PMID: 30318437] |
| GL261 | IC50 |
100 μM
Compound: Propofol
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Anti-proliferative activity against mouse GL261 cells assessed as cell viability incubated for 2 hrs by CCK8 assay
Anti-proliferative activity against mouse GL261 cells assessed as cell viability incubated for 2 hrs by CCK8 assay
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[PMID: 37861443] |
| L929 | EC50 |
4.73 mM
Compound: 12; Diprivan(R)
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Cytotoxicity against mouse L929 cells after 24 hrs by MTT assay
Cytotoxicity against mouse L929 cells after 24 hrs by MTT assay
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[PMID: 30318437] |
| Oocyte | EC50 |
11.2 μM
Compound: Propofol
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Effective concentration against GABA-evoked chloride currents mediated by human Gamma-aminobutyric acid GABA-A receptor alpha2-beta2-gamma2L expressed in Xenopus oocytes
Effective concentration against GABA-evoked chloride currents mediated by human Gamma-aminobutyric acid GABA-A receptor alpha2-beta2-gamma2L expressed in Xenopus oocytes
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[PMID: 15801854] |
| Oocyte | EC50 |
44 μM
Compound: 1 (Propofol)
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Direct activation of chloride current in Xenopus laevis oocytes expressing human alpha-1-beta-1-gamma-2 GABA-A receptor subunits
Direct activation of chloride current in Xenopus laevis oocytes expressing human alpha-1-beta-1-gamma-2 GABA-A receptor subunits
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[PMID: 9599235] |
| Oocyte | EC50 |
5.2 μM
Compound: propofol
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Agonist activity at human alpha1beta2gamma2L GABAA receptor expressed in Xenopus oocytes assessed as potentiation of GABA-induced current response by two-electrode voltage clamp electrophysiology assay
Agonist activity at human alpha1beta2gamma2L GABAA receptor expressed in Xenopus oocytes assessed as potentiation of GABA-induced current response by two-electrode voltage clamp electrophysiology assay
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[PMID: 22029276] |
| Oocyte | EC50 |
50 μM
Compound: propofol
|
Agonist activity at human alpha1beta2gamma2L GABAA receptor expressed in Xenopus oocytes assessed as potentiation of channel current response by two-electrode voltage clamp electrophysiology assay
Agonist activity at human alpha1beta2gamma2L GABAA receptor expressed in Xenopus oocytes assessed as potentiation of channel current response by two-electrode voltage clamp electrophysiology assay
|
[PMID: 22029276] |
| Oocyte | EC50 |
8 μM
Compound: 1 (Propofol)
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Modulation of GABA-induced chloride currents in Xenopus laevis oocytes expressing human alpha-1-beta-1-gamma-2 GABA-A receptor subunits
Modulation of GABA-induced chloride currents in Xenopus laevis oocytes expressing human alpha-1-beta-1-gamma-2 GABA-A receptor subunits
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[PMID: 9599235] |
| Oocyte | IC50 |
7.3 μM
Compound: propofol
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Antagonist activity at Torpedo californica nACh receptor expressed in Xenopus oocytes assessed as inhibition of acetylcholine-induced current response
Antagonist activity at Torpedo californica nACh receptor expressed in Xenopus oocytes assessed as inhibition of acetylcholine-induced current response
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[PMID: 22029276] |
| U-87MG ATCC | IC50 |
>100 μM
Compound: Propofol
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Anti-proliferative activity against human U-87 MG cells assessed as cell viability incubated for 2 hrs by CCK8 assay
Anti-proliferative activity against human U-87 MG cells assessed as cell viability incubated for 2 hrs by CCK8 assay
|
[PMID: 37861443] |
MedChemExpress (MCE) has not independently confirmed the accuracy of these methods. They are for reference only.
| NCT Number | Sponsor | Condition | Start Date |
Phase
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NCT01329991 | Plexxikon| | 2011-05 | PHASE1 |
Chemical Information
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CAS No. 2078-54-8
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Appearance <18°C Solid,>18°C Liquid
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Molecular Weight 178.27
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Formula C12H18O
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Color Light yellow to yellow
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SMILES
OC1=C(C(C)C)C=CC=C1C(C)C
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Synonyms
2,6-Diisopropylphenol
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Structure Classification
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Initial Source
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Shipping
Room temperature in continental US; may vary elsewhere.
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Storage
Pure form -20°C 3 years 4°C 2 years In solvent -80°C 6 months -20°C 1 month
Publications (24)
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Journal Impact Factor
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Most Recent
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Sci Adv
EphB1-NR2B receptor signaling in glutamatergic neurons of the ventroposteromedial thalamic nucleus regulates emergence from anesthesia. [Abstract]2025 Dec 5;11(49):eadw7972. PMID: 41348875
Propofol purchased from MedChemExpress. Usage Cited in: Sci Adv. 2025 Dec 5;11(49):eadw7972. [Abstract]
Western blot analysis further showed that phosphorylation and protein expression of EphB1 were increased significantly under Propofol (120 mg/kg), Ketamine, or Isoflurane anesthesia.
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Br J Pharmacol
A novel role of propofol and its analogues in arterial vasorelaxation and blood pressure reduction via inhibition of calcium activated chloride channel ANO1. [Abstract]2026 Apr 29. PMID: 42055772 -
Int J Mol Med
Propofol upregulates MFG‑E8 in BV2 cells to inhibit pyroptosis mediated by the NF‑κB/NLRP3 pathway, thereby ameliorating ischemic‑reperfusion neuronal injury. [Abstract]2026 May;57(5):115. PMID: 41789673 -
Drug Des Devel Ther
High-Dose Propofol Induces Cytotoxicity by Elevating Intracellular Ca2⁺ via GABAA Receptor and IP3R in HT22 Cells. [Abstract]2026 Mar 10:20:566272. PMID: 41836532 -
Inflammation
Propofol Protects Against Hepatic Ischemia Reperfusion Injury via Inhibiting Bnip3-Mediated Oxidative Stress. [Abstract]2021 Aug;44(4):1288-1301. PMID: 33496895
Propofol purchased from MedChemExpress. Usage Cited in: Inflammation. 2021 Aug;44(4):1288-1301. [Abstract]
The cell apoptosis of liver tissues of the I/R liver injury mice was detected using TUNEL staining. PRO propofol (40 mg/kg), I/R ischemia/reperfusion, AST aspartate aminotransferase, ALT alanine aminotransferase.
Propofol purchased from MedChemExpress. Usage Cited in: Inflammation. 2021 Aug;44(4):1288-1301. [Abstract]
PRO (Propofol 40 mg/kg) downregulated the expressions of Bnip3, Cleaved Caspase-3, and Bax, but upregulated the expression of Bcl-2 in the liver tissues of I/R liver injury mice.
Propofol purchased from MedChemExpress. Usage Cited in: Inflammation. 2021 Aug;44(4):1288-1301. [Abstract]
The expression of Bnip3 of H/R AML12 cells after PRO (Propofol, 6 μg/m.) treatment was determined by immunofluorescence.
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FASEB J
Propofol Inhibits the Stem Characteristics and Tumor Growth of NSCLC by Altering the Expression and Localization of HDAC1. [Abstract]2025 Dec 31;39(24):e71337. PMID: 41427950 -
Drug Dev Res
Asiaticoside enhances the effect of propofol on the invasion, ferroptosis and immune escape of bladder cancer. [Abstract]2024 Sep;85(6):e22242. PMID: 39161064 -
Sci Rep
Effects of adjuvant propofol on antitumoral effects of carboplatin in experimental endometrial cancer: possible epigenetic associations. [Abstract]2026 May 21. PMID: 42168257 -
Neurotoxicology
NUFIP1-engineered exosomes derived from hUMSCs regulate apoptosis and neurological injury induced by propofol in newborn rats. [Abstract]2024 May:102:81-95. PMID: 38599287 -
Neurochem Res
Propofol Protects the Blood-Brain Barrier After Traumatic Brain Injury by Stabilizing the Extracellular Matrix via Prrx1: From Neuroglioma to Neurotrauma. [Abstract]2024 Oct;49(10):2743-2762. PMID: 38951281 -
Hum Exp Toxicol
Protective effects of dexmedetomidine against propofol-induced memory impairment in developing rat involved Src and RARα. [Abstract]2025 Jan-Dec:44:9603271251336467. PMID: 40296644 -
Front Biosci (Landmark Ed)
SIRT3 Enhances the Protective Role of Propofol in Postoperative Cognitive Dysfunction via Activating Autophagy Mediated by AMPK/mTOR Pathway. [Abstract]2022 Nov 8;27(11):303. PMID: 36472103 -
Discov Oncol
Propofol inhibits colon cancer cell stemness and epithelial-mesenchymal transition by regulating SIRT1, Wnt/β-catenin and PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathways. [Abstract]2023 Jul 25;14(1):137. PMID: 37490168 -
Neuroscience
The study of beneficial effect and mechanism of propofol on TNF-α-induced p-Tau increase in HT22 hippocampal neurons. [Abstract]2025 Nov 10:587:81-89. PMID: 41057130 -
BMC Anesthesiol
Propofol suppresses adipose-derived stem cell progression via PI3K/AKT-Wnt signaling pathway. [Abstract]2022 Mar 9;22(1):65. PMID: 35264102 -
Eur J Neurosci
Dexmedetomidine attenuates propofol-induced apoptosis of neonatal hippocampal astrocytes by inhibiting the Bcl2l1 signalling pathway. [Abstract]2021 Dec;54(11):7775-7789. PMID: 34734676 -
Exp Ther Med
Propofol reduces lipopolysaccharide‑induced cardiomyocyte injury in sepsis by activating SIRT1‑mediated autophagy. [Abstract]2023 Mar 14;25(4):187. PMID: 37021065 -
Oncol Lett
Functional analysis of the effects of propofol on tamoxifen‑resistant breast cancer cells: Insights into transcriptional regulation. [Abstract]2025 Feb 21;29(4):194. PMID: 40041408 -
Biochem Biophys Res Commun
Propofol ameliorates acute postoperative fatigue and promotes glucagon-regulated hepatic gluconeogenesis by activating CREB/PGC-1α and accelerating fatty acids beta-oxidation. [Abstract]2022 Jan 1:586:121-128. PMID: 34839190 -
Oncol Lett
Propofol induces ROS-mediated intrinsic apoptosis and migration in triple-negative breast cancer cells. [Abstract]2020 Jul;20(1):810-816. PMID: 32566008 -
Arch Oral Biol
Ganoderic acid A attenuates Porphyromonas gingivalis-induced adhesion molecule expression in gingival fibroblasts and tissues via inhibition of NLRP6 inflammasome activation. [Abstract]2025 Oct 15:181:106429. PMID: 41108927 -
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Solvent & Solubility
DMSO : 100 mg/mL (560.95 mM; Need ultrasonic; Hygroscopic DMSO has a significant impact on the solubility of product, please use newly opened DMSO)
H2O : 0.5 mg/mL (2.80 mM; Need ultrasonic)
Please refer to the solubility information to select the appropriate solvent. Once prepared, please aliquot and store the solution to prevent product inactivation from repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
Storage method and period of stock solution: -80°C, 6 months; -20°C, 1 month. When stored at -80°C, please use it within 6 months. When stored at -20°C, please use it within 1 month.
* Note: If you choose water as the stock solution, please dilute it to the working solution, then filter and sterilize it with a 0.22 μm filter before use.
Please refer to the solubility information to select the appropriate solvent. Once prepared, please aliquot and store the solution to prevent product inactivation from repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
Storage method and period of stock solution: -80°C, 6 months; -20°C, 1 month. When stored at -80°C, please use it within 6 months. When stored at -20°C, please use it within 1 month.
* Note: If you choose water as the stock solution, please dilute it to the working solution, then filter and sterilize it with a 0.22 μm filter before use.
Concentration (start) × Volume (start) = Concentration (final) × Volume (final)
Select the appropriate dissolution method based on your experimental animal and administration route.
- For the following dissolution methods, please ensure to first prepare a clear stock solution using an In Vitro approach and then sequentially add co-solvents:
- To ensure reliable experimental results, the clarified stock solution can be appropriately stored based on storage conditions. As for the working solution for In Vivo experiments, it is recommended to prepare freshly and use it on the same day.
- The percentages shown for the solvents indicate their volumetric ratio in the final prepared solution. If precipitation or phase separation occurs during preparation, heat and/or sonication can be used to aid dissolution.
Add each solvent one by one: 10% DMSO 40% PEG300 5% Tween-80 45% Saline
Solubility: ≥ 2.5 mg/mL (14.02 mM); Clear solution
This protocol yields a clear solution of ≥ 2.5 mg/mL (saturation unknown).
Taking 1 mL working solution as an example, add 100 μL DMSO stock solution (25.0 mg/mL) to 400 μL PEG300, and mix evenly; then add 50 μL Tween-80 and mix evenly; then add 450 μL Saline to adjust the volume to 1 mL.
Preparation of Saline: Dissolve 0.9 g sodium chloride in ddH₂O and dilute to 100 mL to obtain a clear Saline solution.
Add each solvent one by one: 10% DMSO 90% (20% SBE-β-CD in Saline)
Solubility: ≥ 2.5 mg/mL (14.02 mM); Clear solution
This protocol yields a clear solution of ≥ 2.5 mg/mL (saturation unknown).
Taking 1 mL working solution as an example, add 100 μL DMSO stock solution (25.0 mg/mL) to 900 μL 20% SBE-β-CD in Saline, and mix evenly.
Preparation of 20% SBE-β-CD in Saline (4°C, storage for one week): 2 g SBE-β-CD powder is dissolved in 10 mL Saline, completely dissolve until clear.
For the following dissolution methods, please prepare the working solution directly:
It is recommended to prepare fresh solutions and use them promptly within a short period of time.
The percentages shown for the solvents indicate their volumetric ratio in the final prepared solution. If precipitation or phase separation occurs during preparation, heat and/or sonication can be used to aid dissolution.
Add each solvent one by one: PBS
Solubility: 1 mg/mL (5.61 mM); Clear solution; Need ultrasonic and warming and heat to 60°C
Add each solvent one by one: Saline
Solubility: 2.1 mg/mL (11.78 mM); Clear solution; Need ultrasonic
Add each solvent one by one: 50% PEG300 50% Saline
Solubility: 8.33 mg/mL (46.73 mM); Clear solution; Need ultrasonic
Please enter the basic information of animal experiments:
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Recommended: Prepare an additional quantity of animals to account for potential losses during experiments.
Please enter your animal formula composition:
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%DMSO +
Recommended: Keep the proportion of DMSO in working solution below 2% if your animal is weak.
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%+
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+%Tween-80 + +
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%Saline +
The co-solvents required include: DMSO, . All of co-solvents are available by MedChemExpress (MCE). , Tween 80. All of co-solvents are available by MedChemExpress (MCE).
Working solution concentration: 0.22 mg/mL
Method for preparing stock solution: mg drug dissolved in μL DMSO. Stock solution concentration: mg/mL.
1. Take μL DMSO stock solution;
2. Add μL .
μL , mix evenly;
3. Then add μL Tween 80, mix evenly;
4. Then add μL
Please ensure that the stock solution in the first step is dissolved to a clear state, and add co-solvents in sequence. You can use ultrasonic heating (ultrasonic cleaner, recommended frequency 20-40 kHz), vortexing, etc. to assist dissolution.
Purity & Documentation
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Data Sheet (289 KB)
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SDS (393 KB)
- English - EN (393 KB)
- Français - FR (393 KB)
- Deutsch - DE (393 KB)
- Norwegian - NO (393 KB)
- Español - ES (393 KB)
- Swedish - SV (393 KB)
- Italian - IT (393 KB)
- Korean - KR (393 KB)
- Portuguese - PT (393 KB)
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Handling Instructions (2659 KB)
References
Complete Stock Solution Preparation Table
Please refer to the solubility information to select the appropriate solvent. Once prepared, please aliquot and store the solution to prevent product inactivation from repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
Storage method and period of stock solution: -80°C, 6 months; -20°C, 1 month. When stored at -80°C, please use it within 6 months. When stored at -20°C, please use it within 1 month.
| Optional Solvent | Concentration Solvent Mass | 1 mg | 5 mg | 10 mg | 25 mg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| H2O / DMSO | 1 mM | 5.6095 mL | 28.0473 mL | 56.0947 mL | 140.2367 mL |
| DMSO | 5 mM | 1.1219 mL | 5.6095 mL | 11.2189 mL | 28.0473 mL |
| 10 mM | 0.5609 mL | 2.8047 mL | 5.6095 mL | 14.0237 mL | |
| 15 mM | 0.3740 mL | 1.8698 mL | 3.7396 mL | 9.3491 mL | |
| 20 mM | 0.2805 mL | 1.4024 mL | 2.8047 mL | 7.0118 mL | |
| 25 mM | 0.2244 mL | 1.1219 mL | 2.2438 mL | 5.6095 mL | |
| 30 mM | 0.1870 mL | 0.9349 mL | 1.8698 mL | 4.6746 mL | |
| 40 mM | 0.1402 mL | 0.7012 mL | 1.4024 mL | 3.5059 mL | |
| 50 mM | 0.1122 mL | 0.5609 mL | 1.1219 mL | 2.8047 mL | |
| 60 mM | 0.0935 mL | 0.4675 mL | 0.9349 mL | 2.3373 mL | |
| 80 mM | 0.0701 mL | 0.3506 mL | 0.7012 mL | 1.7530 mL | |
| 100 mM | 0.0561 mL | 0.2805 mL | 0.5609 mL | 1.4024 mL |
* Note: If you choose water as the stock solution, please dilute it to the working solution, then filter and sterilize it with a 0.22 μm filter before use.