Effect of barbiturates on synaptic currents

Anaesth Intensive Care. 1976 Aug;4(3):199-202. doi: 10.1177/0310057X7600400305.

Abstract

Thiopentone and pentobarbitone reduce the time constant of decay of miniature end-plate currents when applied in anaesthetic concentrations to the neuromuscular junction. Such an effect at central synapses would lead to failure of synaptic transmission in the central nervous system and may reflect a common mode of action of many anaesthetic drugs.

MeSH terms

  • Anesthesia, General
  • Animals
  • Barbiturates / pharmacology*
  • Haplorhini
  • Humans
  • Kinetics
  • Mice
  • Motor Endplate / drug effects
  • Neuromuscular Junction / drug effects
  • Pentobarbital / pharmacology*
  • Synapses / drug effects*
  • Synaptic Membranes / drug effects
  • Thiopental / pharmacology*
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Barbiturates
  • Pentobarbital
  • Thiopental