γ-Aminobutyric Acid-mediated Parafacial Zone: Integrating Consciousness and Respiratory Control in Sevoflurane Anesthesia.

ABSTRACT:

Background

General anesthesia induces both unconsciousness and respiratory depression, but whether these effects share a common neural substrate remains unclear. The parafacial zone, a γ-aminobutyric acid-mediated (GABAergic) sleep-promoting region, has been proposed to modulate respiration. This study investigates whether parafacial zone GABAergic neurons function as a common neural node coordinating anesthetic-induced unconsciousness and respiratory suppression.

Methods

A total of 95 male mice (10 to 12 weeks old) were used. Chemogenetic and optogenetic methods targeted parafacial zone GABAergic neurons to assess anesthetic efficacy and respiratory changes. Immunostaining evaluated neuronal activation, and awake-state stimulation tested for anesthesia-like effects.

Resu

SUBMITTER: Luo L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12677344 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature