Turning to Drosophila for help in resolving general anesthesia.

A recent study (1) uses Drosophila flies to support a mechanism for general anesthesia. The authors find a specific effect on TWIK-related K+ (TREK-1) channels (a class of potassium leak channels) that results from a nonspecific effect on cholesterol-rich rafts in neuronal membranes. Using primarily in vitro assays, the study shows how this might work: General anesthetics appear to disrupt lipid raft architecture, causing an embedded enzyme (phospholipase D [PLD]) to be released. Increased PLD in the proximity of TREK-1 channels raises the local concentration of phosphatidic acid (PA), activating TREK-1 channels and causing an outflow of potassium, hyperpolarizing the cell. This could, in principle, contribute … [↵][1]1To whom correspondence may be addressed. Email: b.vanswinderen{at}uq.edu.au. [1]: #xref-corresp-1-1