Modulatory Effect of Ascorbic Acid on Propofol-Induced Anaesthesia in Goats

Ascorbic acid modulates the central nervous system either physiologically or pharmacologically, and has been proposed to function as a neuromodulator. The effect of ascorbic acid (AA, vitamin C) on some physiological parameters, onset and duration of anaesthesia following propofol anaesthesia was evaluated in goats. A total of 24 goats divided into four groups, comprising five goats each in groups I and II, and seven goats each in groups III and IV were used for the experiment. Groups I and II served as control for AA (200 mg/kg) and propofol (5 mg/kg) intravenous treatments, respectively; while groups III and IV received AA at 200 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg, respectively before propofol anaesthesia. The result showed that AA significantly (P < 0.05) decreased the onset of anaesthesia and increased the duration of propofol anaesthesia in goats. AA (300 mg/kg) induced a decrease (P < 0.05) in respiratory rate during anaesthesia, but there were no significant changes in heart rate and rectal temperature in the groups. In conclusion, AA potentiated the effect of propofol – induced anaesthesia in goats without alteration in heart rate and rectal temperature.