Anesthetics disrupt growth cone guidance cue sensing through actions on the GABAA α2 receptor mediated by the immature chloride gradient

ConclusionOur data suggest that the effects of isoflurane on growth cone sensing are mediated by the α2 subunit of the GABAA receptor and also that they are dependent on the developmental chloride gradient, in which Cl− exhibits a depolarizing effect. These findings provide a rationale for why immature neurons are particularly susceptible to anesthetic toxicity.
Source: Neurotoxicology and Teratology - Category: Toxicology Source Type: research