Description
Etomidate activates GABA-A receptors, displaying neuromodulatory, anesthetic, and amnestic activities. Etomidate prevents neurotransmitter release in neurons by inhibiting presynaptic excitatory synaptic transmission in a SNARE-dependent manner. Etomidate also attenuates acetylcholine-induced relaxation in aortic endothelial tissue, but does not display significant cardiovascular side effects when used clinically. In animal models, etomidate impairs memory performance in several tasks.
References
Herring BE, McMillan K, Pike CM, et al. Etomidate and propofol inhibit the neurotransmitter release machinery at different sites. J Physiol. 2011 Mar 1;589(Pt 5):1103-15. Erratum in: J Physiol. 2011 Sep 15;589(Pt 18):4633. PMID: 21173083.
Martin LJ, Oh GH, Orser BA. Etomidate targets alpha5 gamma-aminobutyric acid subtype A receptors to regulate synaptic plasticity and memory blockade. Anesthesiology. 2009 Nov;111(5):1025-35. PMID: 19809285.
Sohn JT, Kim HJ, Cho HC, et al. Effect of etomidate on endothelium-dependent relaxation induced by acetylcholine in rat aorta. Anaesth Intensive Care. 2004 Aug;32(4):476-81. PMID: 15682522.
