Objective\ To investigate the effect of propofol on
astrocytes membrane pore
formation activated by P2X\-7 receptor caused
by BzATP in the
astrocytes primary culture.\ Methods\ Rats astrocytes primary cultures were prepared from the cortices of 1\|day\|old rats.\ At confluence(15～20 days), the cells were subcultured on 35 mm corning medium wells for experiment after 5 days.\ The cells were washed by Ca\+\{2+\}/Mg\+\{2+\}free HEPES buffer, subsequently incubated for 20 min with or without BzATP 300 μmol/L or propofol 8 μmol/L or 80 μmol/L and their vehicle.\ Imaging examination were conducted by a Hoffmann microscopy and time\|lapse video microscopy.\ Results\ That astrocytes have membrane blebing typically after 300 μmol/L BzATP in Ca\+\{2+\}/Mg\+\{2+\} free HEPES buffer(P<0 001) and it not be inhibited completely by clinical concentration of propofol(P<0 05).\ Conclusion\ Since propofol can not inhibit astrocytes membrane pore
formation caused by BzATP so that the general anesthetic antioxidant propofol is not antagonist of P2X\-7 receptor.\ Propofol lessen oxidative stress by modulating the concentration of extracellular glutamate is not related to P2X\-7 receptor activity.