Riluzole Anesthesia

Abstract

Riluzole produced a potent block of excitatory synaptic transmission via depression of presynaptic conduction in glutamatergic nerve fibers. The use-dependent depression observed resembled that produced by some local anesthetics on nerve conduction and sodium channels. The presynaptic action, together with a lack of effect on gamma-amino butyric acid-mediated inhibition, provides a unique mechanism of action for a general anesthetic.