Researchers performed a series of experiments in mice to assess the mechanisms of memory loss after general anesthesia, focusing on the alpha-5 GABA type A receptors, the primary target for most anesthetics.
The study, originally reported in the April issue of Anesthesia & Analgesia, shows that alpha-5 GABA type A receptors play an essential role in causing memory problems after anesthesia, and that the receptors can be targeted to restore memory once the anesthetic has been eliminated.
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