Repeated exposure to propofol potentiates neuroapoptosis and long-term behavioral deficits in neonatal rats

► Neonatal rats are anesthetized to determine the developing neurotoxicity of propofol. ► Increased neuroapoptosis is observed after single or multiple propofol administration. ► Repeated propofol exposure induces behavioral deficits and neurotransmitter decrease. ► Both neuroapoptosis and decreased neurotransmitter contribute to long-term behavioral deficits.