Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 15, 2026

Optogenetic Activation of Afferent Pathways in Brain Slices and Modulation of Responses by Volatile Anesthetics
Published on: July 23, 2020
[Volatile anaesthesias' molecular biological course of action]
Helle Søholm1, Niels Vidiendal Olsen
1Kardiologisk Klinik, Hjertecentret, Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 København Ø, Denmark. helle.soholm@gmail.com
Abstract:
Anaesthesia is extensively used worldwide and in Denmark alone more than 400,000 anaesthesias are performed each year. In spite of that the molecularly mechanism of anaesthesia has not been proven. Hypotheses have been suggested (lipid versus protein theory), but none has yet been able to explain the whole mechanism. Molecular targets for volatile anaesthetics (e.g. potassium and calcium channels) affected areas in the central nervous system and the impact on the cerebral metabolism versus the cerebral blood flow are discussed.
More Related Videos
08:49Assessing Changes in Volatile General Anesthetic Sensitivity of Mice after Local or Systemic Pharmacological Intervention
Published on: October 16, 2013
06:27The Serial Anesthesia Array for the High-Throughput Investigation of Volatile Agents Using Drosophila melanogaster
Published on: February 24, 2023
Related Concept Videos
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...
Inhalational Anesthetics: Overview
Parenteral Anesthetics: Overview
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...
Local Anesthetics: Pharmacokinetics
Local Anesthetics: Chemistry and Structure-Activity Relationship