Propofol (2,6-diisopropylphenol) is an applicable immersion anesthetic in the axolotl with potential uses in hemodynamic and neurophysiological experiments

TheMexican axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum) is an important model species in regenerative biol- ogy. Traditionally, axolotls are anesthetized using benzocaine or MS-222, both of which act to inhibit voltage gated sodium channels thereby preventing action potential propagation. In some neurophysiological experiments this is not desirable; thereforewe tested propofol as an alterna- tive anesthetic in the axolotl.We evaluated benzocaine, MS-222, and propofol’s cardiovascular effects, effects on action potential propagation in the spinal cord, and gross limb regenerative effects.We found that propofol is applicable as a general anesthetic in the axolotl allowing for neurophysiological experiments and yielding a stable anesthesiawith significantly less cardiovas- cular effect than both benzocaine and MS-222. Additionally, propofol did not affect gross limb regeneration. In conclusion we suggest the consideration of propofol as an alternative immersion anesthetic to benzocaine and MS-222.