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Critical Care
Published in: Critical Care 4/2010

01-08-2010 | Review

Bench-to-bedside review: Molecular pharmacology and clinical use of inert gases in anesthesia and neuroprotection

Authors: Robert Dickinson, Nicholas P Franks

Published in: Critical Care | Issue 4/2010

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Abstract

In the past decade there has been a resurgence of interest in the clinical use of inert gases. In the present paper we review the use of inert gases as anesthetics and neuroprotectants, with particular attention to the clinical use of xenon. We discuss recent advances in understanding the molecular pharmacology of xenon and we highlight specific pharmacological targets that may mediate its actions as an anesthetic and neuroprotectant. We summarize recent in vitro and in vivo studies on the actions of helium and the other inert gases, and discuss their potential to be used as neuroprotective agents.
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Metadata
Title
Bench-to-bedside review: Molecular pharmacology and clinical use of inert gases in anesthesia and neuroprotection
Authors
Robert Dickinson
Nicholas P Franks
Publication date
01-08-2010
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Critical Care / Issue 4/2010
Electronic ISSN: 1364-8535
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/cc9051

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