A vertebrate model to reveal neural substrates underlying the transitions between conscious and unconscious states.

ABSTRACT: The field of neuropharmacology has not yet achieved a full understanding of how the brain transitions between states of consciousness and drug-induced unconsciousness, or anesthesia. Many small molecules are used to alter human consciousness, but the repertoire of underlying molecular targets, and thereby the genes, are incompletely understood. Here we describe a robust larval zebrafish model of anesthetic action, from sedation to general anesthesia. We use loss of movement under three different conditions, spontaneous movement, electrical stimulation or a tap, as a surrogate for sedation and general anesthesia, respectively. Using these behavioral patterns, we find that larval zebrafish respond to inhalational and IV anesthetics at concentrations similar to mammals. Additionally, known se

SUBMITTER: Bedell VM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7519646 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature