Delayed application of propofol blocked excitotoxic spinal neurodegeneration in vitro.
Propofol strongly protected motoneurons and premotoneurons.
Propofol protection was prevented by bicuculline and unaffected by strychnine.
Bicuculline and strychnine alone were not toxic, yet intensified excitotoxicity.
Delayed application of general anesthetics may limit acute spinal damage.