Question

Certain inhaled anesthetic agents are thought to open cl- channels in the membranes f postsynaptic neurons in the brain, an effect that causes inhibitory local potentials. why might this action put a person "to sleep" during anesthesia?

Answer 1

Opening the Cl- channels means allowing chloride ions to enter the neurons. Chloride ions have negative charge, so the presence of the Cl- reduces the membrane potential or the neuron to a more negative level. This causes an inhibitory effect on neuronal transmission by making it more difficult for the membrane to attain its threshold for the production and conductance of an action potential. Thus, making the person to fell asleep.