British journal of anaesthesia
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The neuronal mechanisms underlying propofol-induced modulation of consciousness are poorly understood. Neuroimaging studies suggest a potential role for non-specific thalamic nuclei in propofol-induced loss of consciousness. We investigated the contribution of the paraventricular thalamus (PVT), a midline thalamic nucleus that has been implicated in arousal control and general anaesthesia with inhaled anaesthetics, to loss and recovery of consciousness during propofol anaesthesia. ⋯ The paraventricular thalamus contributes to the control of consciousness transitions in propofol anaesthesia in mice. This provides a potential neuroanatomical target for controlling consciousness to reduce anaesthetic dose requirements and side effects.