Mouse neuroblastoma (N2A) cells were exposed to varying concentrations of propofol at multiple time intervals. Cellular viability was quantified by fluorescence microscopy and the transcription of the immediate early genes, c-Fos and Egr-1, was quantified using quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). GABA-A receptor antagonists and MAPK/ERK inhibitors were used to investigate the mechanism of action. Propofol induces time and dose dependent transcription of c-Fos and Egr-1. At physiologically relevant concentration (3μg/ml) propofol caused a 6-fold and 2.5-fold induction in c-Fos and Egr-1 transcription, respectively. The propofol-induced c-Fos and Egr-1 expression was unaffected by bicuculline, GABA receptor antagonist but was abolished by PD98059, a MAPK/ERK inhibitor, suggesting the possible involvement of the MAPK/ERK pathway. Our study suggests that at physiological concentrations propofol can induce long-term changes of neuronal function by changing gene transcription. Furthermore, the induction of c-Fos and Egr-1 by propofol is mediated via a non GABAergic mechanism involving the MAPK/ERK pathway. Future work will examine the effects of propofol in primary neurons and elucidate the role of the GABA pathway in a more physiologic model of the central nervous system.