An anaesthetic-activated potassium channel.
We have discovered a novel potassium current in an identified molluscan neuron which is activated at surgical levels of volatile general anaesthetics. The current is not significantly voltage-gated and persists for as long as the anaesthetic is present. The anaesthetic response is completely reversibly and saturates at low anaesthetic partial pressures. The current is absent in surrounding neurons.
Franks
N P
NP
Biophysics Section, Blackett Laboratory, Imperial College of Science, Technology & Medicine, London, U.K.
Lieb
W R
WR
D000818:Animals; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D000431:Ethanol / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005724:Ganglia / Q000502:physiology; D006221:Halothane / Q000494:pharmacology*; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D008195:Lymnaea; D008564:Membrane Potentials / Q000187:drug effects; D009474:Neurons / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D015221:Potassium Channels / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*
D015221:Potassium Channels; D000431:Ethanol; D006221:Halothane