Anaesthetics Flashcards
Give some inhalational agents
Nitrous oxide IsofluraneDesfluraneSevoflurane
Give some intravenous agents
PropofolKetamine
What areas of the brain do anaesthetics have an effect on?
Reticular formation depressionThalamusHippocampus depressedBrainstem depressedSpinal cord - dorsal horn analgesia
Describe general anaesthesia
Affects the whole bodyUse inhalational and IV plus adjuvants Reversibly inhibit sensory, motor and sympathetic nerve transmission in CNSGive unconsciousness and sedation
Describe regional anaesthesia
Gives anaesthesia to large, specific regions of the bodyTransmission block between spinal cord and part of the body Occurs with spinal and epidural anaesthesiaPt remains conscious
Describe local anaesthesia
Defined peripheral nerve block e.g. tooth extraction, procedures on hands/feet.
Describe dissociative anaesthesia
Inhibition of transmission of nerve pulses between higher and lower centres of the brain. Used in kids and elderly - less susceptible to hallucinogenic effects
Generally, how do anaesthetics work?
Affect post synaptic transmission of inhibitory and excitatory ligand gated ion channels. - are weak and easily reversed reactions
How do anaesthetics bind to GABA mediated inhibitory channels?
Bind and increased sensitivity to GABA, which increased Cl- entering the cell to hyperpolarise the cell and decrease its excitability. Positive allosteric modulation
How do anaesthetics exert their action at glycine activated chlorides channels?
Bind and increase glycine sensitivity to increase Cl- entering the cell. Causes hyperpolarisation and decreases excitability. Positive allosteric modulation. V. important in inhibitory transmission in spinal cord and brainstem and reducing te response to noxious stimuli
How do anaesthetics exert their effect on neuronal nicotinic ACh receptors?
Bind and inhibit certain subtypes of receptors, by reducing excitatory Na+ currents due to ACh binding. - contributes to analgesia and amnesia rather than anaesthesia. Non-competitive antagonists
How do anaesthetics exert their action on NMDA receptors?
Bind and reduce Ca2+ currents, which are involved in synaptic responses. Nitrous oxide and ketamine exert their action here. Non-competitive antagonism
Describe the administration of inhalational agents
Fluranes are volatile liquids at room temp. Mix anaesthetic agent with oxygen, air and usually nitrous oxide. Then it is administrated via a mask with spontaneous or controlled respiration.
Define MAC
Alveolar concentration at one atmospheric pressure at which 50% of subjects fail to move to a surgical stimulus.
What does a lower MAC value indicate?
More potent anaesthetic- is more lipid soluble