Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 10, 2026

Assessing Changes in Volatile General Anesthetic Sensitivity of Mice after Local or Systemic Pharmacological Intervention
Published on: October 16, 2013
Effects of general anaesthetics on neuronal sodium and potassium channels
J R Elliott1, A A Elliott, A A Harper
1Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Old Medical School, The University Dundee, Scotland.
Abstract:
1. The effects of clinical inhalation anaesthetics, such as halothane and methoxyflurane, and "model" anaesthetics, such as hydrocarbons and n-alkanols, on neuronal sodium and potassium channels are reviewed. 2. Lipid-based mechanisms for the actions of anaesthetics on the gating parameters of squid axon sodium and delayed rectifier potassium currents are considered in conjunction with evidence of more specific effects in other preparations, notably a fast inactivating potassium current in Helix neurones and a voltage-gated sodium current in rat dorsal root ganglion neurones. 3. The proconvulsant actions of some inhalation anaesthetics are discussed in relation to the induction of spontaneous firing of action potentials in the squid giant axon.
More Related Videos
14:52Recording Brain Electromagnetic Activity During the Administration of the Gaseous Anesthetic Agents Xenon and Nitrous Oxide in Healthy Volunteers
Published on: January 13, 2018
08:16Optogenetic Activation of Afferent Pathways in Brain Slices and Modulation of Responses by Volatile Anesthetics
Published on: July 23, 2020
Related Concept Videos
Voltage-gated Ion Channels
Generally, all voltage-gated ion channels have a 'voltage-sensing domain' that spans the lipid bilayer. The charged residues in the sensor move in response to the membrane potential changes that open the channel allowing ions movement. There are several types of...
Local Anesthetics: Mechanism of Action
Local anesthetics are amphiphilic molecules consisting of a hydrophobic aromatic part linked to a hydrophilic group by an ester or amide linkage. They are weak bases and are usually available as salts, which increases their solubility and stability. Once administered, LAs exist in the body either...
Local Anesthetics: Adverse Effects
Once absorbed into the systemic circulation, local anesthetics can affect the organs that depend on the functioning of sodium...
Voltage-gated Ion Channels
Generally, all voltage-gated ion channels have a 'voltage-sensing domain' that spans the lipid bilayer. The charged residues in the sensor move in response to the membrane potential changes that open the channel allowing ions movement. There are several types of...
Antiarrhythmic Drugs: Class I Agents as Sodium Channel Blockers
Class 1A Antiarrhythmic Drugs: These drugs work by moderately blocking sodium channels,...
General Anesthesia: Overview
General anesthesia induces unconsciousness in the whole body, while the others target specific areas or sensations. It is administered to minimize adverse effects, maintain...