Anesthetics affect membrane heterogeneity.
A computer-simulation study is performed on a simple but general molecular model of the interaction of general and local anesthetics with lipid membranes. In the neighborhood of the gel-to-fluid membrane phase transition it is found that anesthetics have a strong effect on the heterogeneity of the membrane-inducing regions of locally high anesthetics concentration. This leads to a broadening of the specific heat peak and a maximum in the membrane/water partition coefficient. These results are in accordance with available experimental data for volatile general anesthetics like halothane and local anesthetics like cocaine derivatives.
Jørgensen
K
K
Royal Danish School of Pharmacy, Copenhagen.
Ipsen
J H
JH
Mouritsen
O G
OG
Bennett
D
D
Zuckermann
M J
MJ
D015060:1,2-Dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine / Q000737:chemistry*; D000777:Anesthetics / Q000737:chemistry*; D000779:Anesthetics, Local / Q000737:chemistry*; D003198:Computer Simulation; D008051:Lipid Bilayers; D008954:Models, Biological; D013816:Thermodynamics
D000777:Anesthetics; D000779:Anesthetics, Local; D008051:Lipid Bilayers; D015060:1,2-Dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine