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Updated: May 2, 2026

Assessing Changes in Volatile General Anesthetic Sensitivity of Mice after Local or Systemic Pharmacological Intervention
Published on: October 16, 2013
[Interaction between hypnotic agents and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocorticotropic axis during surgery].
E Besnier1, T Clavier1, H Castel2
1Département d'anesthésie-réanimation chirurgicale - SAMU, CHU de Rouen, 1, rue de Germont, 76031 Rouen, France; Inserm U982, DC2N Laboratory of Neuronal and Neuroendocrine Cell Differentiation and Communication, Astrocyte and Vascular Niche, IRIB, University of Rouen, PRES Normandy, 76821 Mont-Saint-Aignan, France.
The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis regulates stress responses. Etomidate, an anesthetic, most significantly impairs HPA axis function, suggesting limited use in patients with pre-existing HPA axis alterations.
Area of Science:
- Neuroendocrinology
- Immunology
- Anesthesiology
Context:
- The central nervous system and immune system interact to maintain homeostasis during stress.
- The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is a key neuroendocrine system modulating inflammatory responses via glucocorticoids.
- Anesthetic agents may interact with the HPA axis during surgical procedures.
Purpose:
- To review the impact of anesthetic agents on the HPA axis.
- To highlight etomidate's specific effects on HPA axis function.
- To provide guidance on the clinical use of etomidate.
Summary:
- Most hypnotic anesthetic agents can modulate adrenal steroid synthesis.
- Etomidate demonstrates the most detrimental effect on HPA axis function among tested hypnotics.
- The literature suggests etomidate's use should be restricted in patients with compromised HPA axis function.
Impact:
- Clinical recommendations for etomidate use in anesthesia.
- Understanding anesthetic-induced HPA axis modulation.
- Informing anesthetic choices for patients with endocrine or immune dysregulation.
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