Max Kelz

Anesthesiology, University of Pennsylvania, United States of America

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Despite 150 years of widespread use, the mechanisms through which anesthetics reversibly inhibit consciousness remain obscure. Recent evidence suggests that several intravenous anesthetics "hijack" the endogenous neural circuitry that governs sleep-wake cycles, similar perhaps to the way in which opiates commandeer the endogenous reward system. His laboratory uses behavioral and electroencephalographic analysis to identify mice with altered sensitivity to the hypnotic properties of anesthetics. They are interested in applying mouse genetics along with classic pharmacology to understand the molecular mechanisms and neural pathways leading to anesthetic-induced unconsciousness.

Any competing interests declared are displayed with individual evaluations.

Faculty Member: Anesthesiology & Pain Management > Anesthetic Mechanisms (since 26 June 2007)

Links

http://www.med.upenn.edu/ins/faculty/kelz.htm

All recent recommendations

• 3.0
  Silencing preBötzinger complex somatostatin-expressing neurons induces persistent apnea in awake rat.
  Recommended by Max Kelz
  
• 9.0
  An evolutionarily conserved presynaptic protein is required for isoflurane sensitivity in Caenorhabditis elegans.
  Recommended by Max Kelz
  
• 6.0
  Control of hypothalamic orexin neurons by acid and CO2.
  Recommended by Max Kelz