Electrical Stimulation of the Ventral Tegmental Area Induces Reanimation from General Anesthesia

Abstract

Electrical stimulation of the VTA, but not the substantia nigra, induces reanimation during general anesthesia with isoflurane or propofol. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that dopamine release by VTA neurons, but not substantia nigra neurons, induces reanimation from general anesthesia.