GABAA receptors as targets for anaesthetics and analgesics and promising candidates to help treat coronavirus infections: A mini-review.

GABA is a major inhibitory neurotransmitter that regulates the balance between excitatory and inhibitory circuits in the human nervous system. The GABA receptors are divided into three main subtypes, GABAA , GABAB , and GABAC (also termed GABAA rho) receptors. GABAA receptors are pentameric ligand-gated ion channels widely expressed throughout the central and peripheral nervous system. The activation of GABAA receptors results in opening of an anion-selective channel that mainly gates chloride ions and allows them to flow into the neuron, causing hyperpolarization of the cell membrane that dampens neural excitability. This makes GABAA receptors critical anaesthetic and analgesic targets for existing as well as for the development of novel drugs. In this review, we first summarize the biochemical properties of GABAA receptors and the clinical anaesthetics and analgesics targeting the receptors. In a forward-looking section, we summarize the emerging role of GABAergic signalling in treatment of COVID-19 related infections. Finally, we discuss the opportunities arising from targeting specific and unique subunit interfaces for the development of novel anaesthetics and analgesics leading to more efficient therapies.

Reviewing the physiology, pharmacology and therapeutic uses of ketamine.

Ketamine is a synthetic drug with unique properties which started to be used therapeutically in humans in the 1970s and is now widely used in all fields of nursing. Ketamine acts on the central nervous system, primarily through inhibiting N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors. However, the precise understanding of its mechanisms of action remains elusive in many respects. Ketamine is frequently used as an anaesthetic in medical and surgical procedures and as an analgesic in children and adults. It is increasingly used in mental health settings to treat depression. It has potential to be used more often in areas such as palliative care and mental health care. This article reviews the physiological and pharmacological properties of ketamine, explores its main therapeutic uses, and considers the associated implications for nursing practice.