Commonly used local anesthetic benzocaine may fit more easily into a cell's membrane when the membrane is composed of compounds that carry a negative charge, according to a study published in the Journal of Chemical Physics.
According to a news release, the finding could help researchers understand molecule-level mechanisms behind pain-blocking medications, possibly leading to safer and more effective use of the drugs.
Scientists believe that local anesthetics prevent pain signals from propagating to the central nervous system by blocking nerve cells' sodium channels, but little research exists into how the medicines accomplish this. Some scientists have hypothesized that certain anesthetics may block the action of sodium channels indirectly by entering the cell membrane and adjusting the shape of the channels to prevent ion flow.
The report suggests that membranes made up of a large percentage of a negatively charged phospholipid component of cells present less of a barrier to benzocaine molecules that those made mostly of a neutral phospholipid.
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According to a news release, the finding could help researchers understand molecule-level mechanisms behind pain-blocking medications, possibly leading to safer and more effective use of the drugs.
Scientists believe that local anesthetics prevent pain signals from propagating to the central nervous system by blocking nerve cells' sodium channels, but little research exists into how the medicines accomplish this. Some scientists have hypothesized that certain anesthetics may block the action of sodium channels indirectly by entering the cell membrane and adjusting the shape of the channels to prevent ion flow.
The report suggests that membranes made up of a large percentage of a negatively charged phospholipid component of cells present less of a barrier to benzocaine molecules that those made mostly of a neutral phospholipid.
Related Articles on Anesthesia:
Dr. Michael Humphrey Discusses Draw, Downsides of Anesthesiology
Duration of Anesthesia Does Not Increase Cancer Risk
Anesthesiologist Dr. Travis Jones Joins West Florida Medical Group