Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 8, 2026

Optogenetic Activation of Afferent Pathways in Brain Slices and Modulation of Responses by Volatile Anesthetics
Published on: July 23, 2020
Modulation of TRPC5 cation channels by halothane, chloroform and propofol
Y M Bahnasi1, H M Wright, C J Milligan
1Faculty of Biological Sciences, Institute of Membrane and Systems Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.
General anesthetics like halothane, chloroform, and propofol affect the TRPC5 calcium channel. These findings suggest potential clinical relevance for TRPC5 channel function in anesthesia.
Area of Science:
- Molecular biology
- Neuroscience
- Cardiovascular research
Background:
- TRPC5 channels are calcium-permeable cation channels.
- They are expressed in cardiovascular and nervous systems.
- TRPC5 channels are activated by various signals like carbachol, Gd3+, and LPC.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of general anesthetics on TRPC5 channels.
- To compare the effects on TRPC5 and TRPM2 channels.
Main Methods:
- Human TRPC5 and TRPM2 channels expressed in HEK 293 cells.
- Fura-2 and patch-clamp recording used to measure intracellular calcium and membrane currents.
- Experiments conducted at room temperature.
Main Results:
- Halothane and chloroform inhibited TRPC5 activation by carbachol, Gd3+, or LPC.
- Propofol showed an initial stimulatory effect on TRPC5, followed by inhibition at higher concentrations.
- Propofol's inhibitory effect on TRPC5 was not dependent on its antioxidant property.
Conclusions:
- TRPC5 channels are sensitive to general anesthetics.
- These interactions may have clinical implications.
- Effects could be related to the channel's sensitivity to lipid bilayer properties.
Related Concept Videos
Inhalational Anesthetics: Overview
Parenteral Anesthetics: Overview
Ligand-Gated Ion Channel Receptor: Gating Mechanism
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...
Nondepolarizing (Competitive) Neuromuscular Blockers: Pharmacological Actions
Although all competitive neuromuscular blockers are designed...
Depolarizing Blockers: Mechanism of Action
Succinylcholine is the most commonly used depolarizing blocker. Chemically, it constitutes two molecules of acetylcholine joined together by an acetate methyl group. They act on the receptors in the same way as acetylcholine. Because succinylcholine...
