Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 22, 2025

Phase Behavior of Charged Vesicles Under Symmetric and Asymmetric Solution Conditions Monitored with Fluorescence Microscopy
Published on: October 24, 2017
Effect of Local Anesthetics on Dipole Potential of Different Phase Membranes: A Fluorescence Study
Sandeep Shrivastava1, Pankaj Ror1, Amitabha Chattopadhyay2
1CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Uppal Road, Hyderabad, 500 007, India.
Abstract:
The molecular mechanism behind the action of local anesthetics is not well understood. Phenylethanol (PEtOH) is an ingredient of essential oils with a rose-like odor, and it has previously been used as a local anesthetic. In this work, we explored the effect of PEtOH on dipole potential in membranes representing biologically relevant phases, employing the dual-wavelength ratiometric method utilizing the potential-sensitive probe di-8-ANEPPS. Our results show that PEtOH reduces membrane dipole potential in membranes of all biologically relevant phases (gel, liquid-ordered, and fluid) in a concentration-dependent manner. To the best of our knowledge, these results constitute one of the early reports describing reduction of membrane dipole potential induced by local anesthetics, irrespective of membrane phase.
Related Concept Videos
The Resting Membrane Potential
Membrane Fluidity
Induced Electric Dipoles
Since the absolute value of potential energy holds no physical meaning, its zero value can be chosen as per...
Molecular Shape and Polarity
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: Differential Sensitivity of Nerve Fibers

