Restoring VTA DA neurons excitability accelerates emergence from sevoflurane general anesthesia of anxiety state.

Preoperative anxiety is common and often comes with a higher probability of worse recovery. However, the neurological mechanism of the effect of preoperative anxiety on general anesthesia and subsequent awakening remains unknown. In this study, we report an anxious state results in delayed awakening in anxiety model mice from sevoflurane general anesthesia.

Central Processing of Itch in the Midbrain Reward Center.

Itch is an aversive sensation that evokes a desire to scratch. Paradoxically, scratching the itch also produces a hedonic experience. The specific brain circuits processing these different aspects of itch, however, remain elusive.