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Updated: Aug 10, 2026

Assessing Changes in Volatile General Anesthetic Sensitivity of Mice after Local or Systemic Pharmacological Intervention
Published on: October 16, 2013
Review of local anaesthetic agents
1Department of Anaesthesia, St. James's University Hospital, Leeds, LS9 7TF, UK. Hamish.McLure@leedsth.nhs.uk
Abstract:
The currently available local anaesthetic agents are capable of providing high quality nerve blockade in a wide variety of clinical circumstances. Our understanding of the mechanisms and consequences of toxicity is increasing rapidly. Knowledge of the chemistry of local anaesthetics has enabled clinicians to exploit the increased safety of single isomer agents. However, the extent, if any, of this improvement in toxicity has yet to be proven. Established toxicity may be very difficult to treat and no specific reversing therapy is yet available. Until this occurs it is essential that practitioners of regional anaesthesia maintain their knowledge base and skill in techniques of administration of local anaesthetic, are able to recognise impending disaster, and constantly update their skills in resuscitation.
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