The neuronal mechanism, how the inhalational anesthetic xenon (xe) mediates its anesthetic properties are still unclear. In this study, the impact of xe on hippocampal synaptic plasticity and thalamocortical network activity was investigated in vitro. Xe antagonises NMDA receptors, and,. consequently, intracellular Ca2+-influx upon high frequency stimulation was reduced and hippocampal long-term potentiation was attenuated. This might be a key mechanism of xe’s amnestic effects. Xe reversibly reduced glutamatergic synaptic transmission to thalamocortical (TC)-neurons. Additionally, the activity of HCN channels was attenuated in the presence of xe. This effect was dependent on intracellular cAMP concentration and adenylyl cyclase activity. These mechanisms of action possibly lead to reduced excitability of TC-neurons and might play a key role in the xe-mediated loss of consciousness.
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The neuronal mechanism, how the inhalational anesthetic xenon (xe) mediates its anesthetic properties are still unclear. In this study, the impact of xe on hippocampal synaptic plasticity and thalamocortical network activity was investigated in vitro. Xe antagonises NMDA receptors, and,. consequently, intracellular Ca2+-influx upon high frequency stimulation was reduced and hippocampal long-term potentiation was attenuated. This might be a key mechanism of xe’s amnestic effects. Xe reversibly re...
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