Towards a Comprehensive Understanding of Anesthetic Mechanisms of Action: A Decade of Discovery.

TitleTowards a Comprehensive Understanding of Anesthetic Mechanisms of Action: A Decade of Discovery.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2019
AuthorsHemmings HC, Riegelhaupt PM, Kelz MB, Solt K, Eckenhoff RG, Orser BA, Goldstein PA
JournalTrends Pharmacol Sci
Volume40
Issue7
Pagination464-481
Date Published2019 Jul
ISSN1873-3735
Abstract

Significant progress has been made in the 21st century towards a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms of action of general anesthetics, coincident with progress in structural biology and molecular, cellular, and systems neuroscience. This review summarizes important new findings that include target identification through structural determination of anesthetic binding sites, details of receptors and ion channels involved in neurotransmission, and the critical roles of neuronal networks in anesthetic effects on memory and consciousness. These recent developments provide a comprehensive basis for conceptualizing pharmacological control of amnesia, unconsciousness, and immobility.

DOI10.1016/j.tips.2019.05.001
Alternate JournalTrends Pharmacol. Sci.
PubMed ID31147199
Grant ListR01 GM088156 / GM / NIGMS NIH HHS / United States