Effects of propofol on proliferation and anti-apoptosis of neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cell line: New insights into neuroprotection

► Propofol could assist SH-SY5Y cells in proliferation. ► Propofol could enhance the up-regulation of Bcl-2, pERK, and pAkt in response to apoptosis. ► Propofol could enhance the up-regulation of Hsp90 and Hsp70 to achieve neuroprotection. ► Propofol could inhibit the excitotoxicity induced by dynorphin A.