The role of GABA modulators on the brain function

2022 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 18K08820
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 55050:Anesthesiology-related
• Research Institution: Fukushima Medical University
• Principal Investigator: Nishikawa Koichi 福島県立医科大学, 公私立大学の部局等, 博士研究員 (00334110)
• Project Period (FY): 2018-04-01 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: GABA

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Extra-synaptic γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors appear to be an important target of general anesthetics. We have reported ambient GABA concentrations, which contribute to tonic inhibition, as an important determinant of the hypnotic actions of the intravenous anesthetic propofol. These data suggest that manipulations of ambient GABA concentrations could also affect the amnestic properties of propofol. Genetic and pharmacological manipulations designed to alter ambient GABA concentrations affect propofol inhibition of hippocampal LTP and this supports evidence that effects on tonic GABA currents contribute to the amnestic properties of propofol.

Free Research Field

麻酔科学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

麻酔薬の鎮静・鎮痛・健忘作用など多くの作用に細胞外GAB濃度の変化が重要な役割を担っている。したがって細胞外GABA濃度が変化するような病態(痛み・ストレス・性周期など)で、麻酔薬の作用が変化することが判明した。今回の研究成果から、臨床の現場でもこれらの仮説の正当性が確認された。