Interaction of Intravenous Anesthetics with Human Neuronal Potassium Currents in Relation to Clinical Concentrations 

Abstract

Effects of intravenous anesthetics on voltage-dependent K currents occur at clinical concentrations. The IC50 values for current inhibition of the nonopioid anesthetics correlated with these concentrations (r = 0.95). The results suggest that anesthetic drug action on voltage-dependent K currents may contribute to clinical effects or side effects of intravenous anesthetics.

A Pilot Study of Cerebral and Hemodynamic Changes During Sedation with Low Dose of Thiopental Sodium or Propofol in Patients with Acute Brain Injury

“…high dose of thiopental sodium and barbiturate coma induce is associated with serious adverse effects such as hypotension, azotemia, pneumonia, and electrolyte imbalance (hypernatremia, hypokalemia, hyperkalemia) [12][13][14]. Hung Shik An et al, declared that low dose barbiturate with BIS monitoring provided enough duration of barbiturate coma possible to control ICP [9].…”

Life-Threatening Dyskalaemia after Barbiturate Coma Therapy: The Strategy of Management

“…Thiopentone inhibits voltage-dependant potassium currents, which causes intracellular sequestration of potassium (9). It also inhibits phosphofructokinase, causing a reduction of intracellular pyruvate and lactate production, increasing intracellular pH and then resulting in a shift of potassium towards intracellular compartment (10).…”

Fatal Fluctuation of Serum Potassium Level during Barbiturate Coma Therapy

“…Barbiturate can induce reversible intracellular shift of potassium by inhibiting neuronal voltage-dependant potassium currents or by decreasing lactate and pyruvate production through the inhibition of phosphofructokinase. 2,5,7) This can increase intracellular pH that may produce intracellular potassium shift. 2,5,7) Factors other than barbiturate that can affect serum potassium level include catecholamine, body temperature, acid-base balance, and usage of diuretics.…”

“…2,5,7) This can increase intracellular pH that may produce intracellular potassium shift. 2,5,7) Factors other than barbiturate that can affect serum potassium level include catecholamine, body temperature, acid-base balance, and usage of diuretics. 8) Endogenous catecholamine release secondary to intracranial hypertension can induce hypokalemia through β2-stimulation of the sodium-potassium pumps.…”