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Updated: Jul 16, 2025

Optogenetic Activation of Afferent Pathways in Brain Slices and Modulation of Responses by Volatile Anesthetics
Published on: July 23, 2020
[Principles of the pharmacology of local anesthetics]
Rebecca Bockholt1, Martin Mirus2
1Klinik und Poliklinik für Anästhesiologie und Intensivtherapie, Universitätsklinikum Carl Gustav Carus Dresden, Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscher Str. 74, 01307, Dresden, Deutschland. rebecca.bockholt@uniklinikum-dresden.de.
Abstract:
The development of local anesthetics revolutionized the performance of painful interventions. Local anesthetics have an effect on voltage-gated sodium channels in nerve fibers and modulate the conduction of impulses. With respect to the chemical structure, local anesthetics can be divided into amide and ester types. The structural differences of local anesthetics have an influence on the duration of action, the degradation pathways and specific side effects. Severe adverse events include cardiotoxicity and neurotoxicity. In addition to basic measures, such as the monitoring and securing of vital parameters, lipid infusion represents a treatment option in cases of intoxication. The recent developments of local anesthetics are particularly concerned with the reduction of toxicity and prolonging the duration of action.
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