Central Nervous System Physiology: Cerebrovascular
Abstract The metabolic demands of the brain are substantial and must be met with a continuous supply of glucose and oxygen. The cerebrovascular anatomy and physiology is designed to distribute…
Central Nervous System Physiology: Neurophysiology
Abstract Novel tools in neuroscience (genetic, optical, pharmacological) are being used to advance our understanding of the complexity and functioning of the brain, the primary target of general anesthesia. Anesthesiologists…
Autonomic Nervous System Pharmacology
Chapter Outline Historical Perspective Structure and Mechanism of Adrenergic Receptors Endogenous Catecholamines Epinephrine Norepinephrine Dopamine Metabolism of Catecholamines Synthetic Catecholamine-Like Drugs D1-Receptor Agonists α 1 -Receptor Agonists Phenylephrine Methoxamine Midodrine…
Pharmacokinetics of Inhaled Anesthetics
Abstract Inhaled anesthetics, beginning with diethyl ether, were first introduced into clinical practice in the 1840s. Since then a wide variety of inhaled agents, including ethers, alkanes, nitrous oxide, cyclopropane,…
Thermoregulation: Normal Physiology, Anesthetic Effects, and Perioperative Considerations
Abstract Core body temperature is highly regulated in humans by the autonomic nervous system and the hypothalamus. General anesthesia, neuraxial anesthesia and analgesia, and drugs such as opioids all reduce…
Pharmacology of Inhaled Anesthetics
Abstract Inhaled anesthetics as single agents provide all of the essential features of general anesthesia, including amnesia, unconsciousness, and immobility. Each of these components results from agent-specific actions on distinct…
Autonomic Nervous System: Physiology
Abstract This chapter presents a concise description of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) with a focus on clinical elements related to anesthesiology. Beginning with a review of the anatomic divisions…
Pharmacology of Intravenous Anesthetics
Abstract Recent advances in molecular pharmacology and neuroscience have led to a greater understanding of how anesthetic chemicals can alter the function of the nervous system. Anesthesia through intravenous agents…
Adverse Drug Reactions
Abstract In the 16th century, Paracelsus recognised that any medicinal substance has the potential to do harm, defining the dose as the determinant of whether the substance is a remedy…
Pharmacodynamic Drug Interactions
Abstract Modern balanced anesthesia consists of the use of a number of drugs to achieve the desired clinical endpoints, such as no awareness, no movement, muscle relaxation, control of blood…
