Serendip is an independent site partnering with faculty at multiple colleges and universities around the world. Happy exploring!

Reply to comment

Congwen Wang's picture

The idea of shutting down

The idea of shutting down Na-K pump is quite interesting, though I don't think it would be possible in practice. The electrochemical gradients of Na+ and K+ are so prevalent in our bodies that it is not quite possible to only shut down the Na-K pumps in certain neurons.  I think typical anesthetics usually works on the synapses because it simulates the way nervous system regulates itself. And also because synapses bind with neurotransmitters, the inhibition/activation can be localized and controlled more easily.

Reply

To prevent automated spam submissions leave this field empty.
8 + 4 =
Solve this simple math problem and enter the result. E.g. for 1+3, enter 4.