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Review
. 2008 Jan 15;178(2):185-8.
doi: 10.1503/cmaj.071761. Epub 2007 Dec 11.

Awareness during anesthesia

Beverley A Orser  1 , C David Mazer, Andrew J Baker
Affiliations
Review

Awareness during anesthesia

Beverley A Orser et al. CMAJ. .
No abstract available

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Figures

None
Figure 1: Effect of anesthetics on neurotransmission in the brain. A: When γ-aminobutryic acid (GABA) binds to the GABAA receptor, a pentameric ion channel, it causes a conformational change that opens the channel pore and allows the flux of chloride ions across the cell membrane. Many general anesthetics, barbiturates and benzodiazepines increase the potency of GABA at the GABAA receptor level and thereby increase chloride flux. Generally, this causes membrane hyperpolarization and a reduction in the excitability of neurons. B: Learning and memory during anesthesia, like other forms of memory, are processed via specific brain structures, particularly the hippocampus. Normal function in these structures depends on a delicate balance between excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmission. Synaptic GABAA receptors are the primary mediators of inhibitory neurotransmission. Extrasynaptic GABAA receptors are also present, have a unique subunit composition and are particularly sensitive to modulation by general anesthetics. Sustained inhibition via enhanced activation of these extrasynaptic receptors may contribute to the memory-blocking properties of anesthetics. Ongoing research is evaluating whether genetic variations in GABAA receptor structure among individuals account for variable sensitivity to anesthetics. Modified with permission from Elsevier (Pharmacol Biochem Behav).. Image by: Robert Bonin
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References

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