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Neuroanesthesia and Cerebrospinal Protection pp 93–101Cite as

Intravenous Anesthetics and Neuroprotection

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Abstract

Some intravenous anesthetics have been vigorously investigated as logical candidates for neuroprotectants. Generally, such anesthetics can suppress excitotoxicity and depolarization during ischemia and the early period of reperfusion, effects which contribute to the neuroprotective efficacy of these drugs. Neuronal death, however, is believed to be an ongoing process which continues for a long time after any initial ischemic injury has occurred. Recently, the neuroprotective efficacy of anesthetics has been called into doubt due to this process coupled with the complexity of postischemic events. In this chapter, the neuroprotective properties of intravenous anesthetics are reviewed, focusing on barbiturates, benzodiazepines, dexmedetomidine, and propofol.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Intensive Care, Nara Medical University, 840 Shijo-cho, Kashihara, Nara, 634-8522, Japan

    Satoki Inoue

  2. Department of Anesthesiology, Nara Medical University, 840 Shijo-cho, Kashihara, Nara, 634-8522, Japan

    Masahiko Kawaguchi

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  1. Satoki Inoue
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  2. Masahiko Kawaguchi
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Correspondence to Satoki Inoue .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan

    Hiroyuki Uchino

  2. Kurume University, Fukuoka, Fukuoka, Japan

    Kazuo Ushijima

  3. Tokyo Medical University Hachioji Medical Center, Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan

    Yukio Ikeda

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Inoue, S., Kawaguchi, M. (2015). Intravenous Anesthetics and Neuroprotection. In: Uchino, H., Ushijima, K., Ikeda, Y. (eds) Neuroanesthesia and Cerebrospinal Protection. Springer, Tokyo. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-4-431-54490-6_9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-4-431-54490-6_9

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Tokyo

  • Print ISBN: 978-4-431-54489-0

  • Online ISBN: 978-4-431-54490-6

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