Remarkable and reversible suppression of Per2 mRNA expression in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) by inhalation anesthetics is considered as an biochemical marker of the anesthetic effect. This project aims to elucidate the mechanism of inhalation anesthetics paying attention to this suppressive effect.1) We adopted a imaging system for SCN slices derived from Per2-dLuc transgenic rats. This system was enable us to examine the intra-SCN regional specificity, time-dependency, and pharmacological basis of sevoflurane-effects. Pharmacological experiments revealed that GABAergic signals played important roles in the anesthetic effect.
2) The SCN contains various types of neurons, and this complexity makes it difficult to investigate the molecular mechanisms of anesthesia. Here, we established an in vitro experimental system using a cell line、GT1-7, which will open up the possibility to investigate more precisely the mechanisms underlying anesthetic action.