The physiologic effects resulting from the inhalation of gaseous anesthetic agents and intravenous infusion of anesthetic drugs inhibit several areas of the central nervous system (CNS).The processes by which they occur are explained by several proposed theories.Which of the options describes a plausible anesthetic mechanism of action?
A) Inhaled opiates are absorbed by dopamine antagonist receptors in the CNS.
B) Sodium channels trade places with potassium ions in the cerebral cellular cytoplasm.
C) Endorphins undergo biotransformation into protein-soluble compounds.
D) Signaling proteins are the relevant molecular targets of anesthetic action.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Protein-receptor theory proposes that hydrophobic areas of specific proteins in the CNS act as receptor sites.Today,there is widespread (but not universal)acceptance of the notion that critical signaling proteins (e.g.,ion channels or ligand-gated receptors)are the relevant molecular targets of anesthetic action,even though the submolecular mechanisms of their modulation by anesthetics are debated.

The Physiologic Effects Resulting from the Inhalation of Gaseous Anesthetic