Masui. The Japanese journal of anesthesiology
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Neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAchRs) are widely expressed in the central and autonomic nervous systems and have subunit compositions with biophysical and pharmacological properties distinct from those of the receptors at the neuromuscular junction. They are thought to modulate synaptic transmission in the central nervous system (CNS) mainly by regulating the release of neurotransmitters. Although roles of neuronal nAchRs in the CNS are poorly understood, these receptors are involved in cognitive performance, nociception and psychoneurological disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson disease. ⋯ Inhibition of neuronal nAchRs by barbiturates is unlikely to contribute to the anesthetic action of barbiturates, since this effect does not correlate with the anesthetic potencies of barbiturate stereoisomers. Relevance of inhibition of these receptors is controversial for anesthetic effects of other anesthetics, because conflicting results have been obtained from comparison of this effect with anesthetic actions of stereoisomers or structurally related compounds. However, it is possible that inhibition of central nAchRs contributes to secondary effects attributed to anesthesia such as impairment in memory and cognitive performance.
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It has been hypothesized that the intubating laryngeal mask (ILM) has some advantages: (1) tracheal intubation is achieved with a neutral head-neck position and limited mouth opening, (2) intubation is not interfered with blood and secretion in the mouth, (3) ventilation via the device is possible, and (4) it is easy to use. Many studies have brought evidences for these points. ⋯ Degree of hemodynamic changes and incidences of postoperative airway complications are similar between the ILM and the laryngoscope. ILM-users should pay attention to these limitations when they use the ILM.