Etomidate and other non-barbiturates.

It is today generally accepted that anesthetics act by binding directly to sensitive target proteins. For certain intravenous anesthetics, such as propofol, barbiturates, and etomidate, the major target for anesthetic effect has been identified as the gamma-aminobutyric acid type A (GABA(A)) receptor, with particular subunits playing a crucial role. Etomidate, an intravenous imidazole general anesthetic, is thought to produce anesthesia by modulating or activating ionotropic Cl(-)-permeable GABA(A) receptors.

The role of COX-2 inhibitors in pain modulation.

NSAIDs are the analgesics that are most commonly used world-wide. In the past few years, there have been significant advances in explaining the mechanism of action and clinical efficacy of the drugs belonging to this pharmacological family. Recent data relating to the role of cyclo-oxygenase (COX)-2 in the development of neuronal hyperexcitability and pain hypersensitivity have opened new perspectives in our understanding of the therapeutic effects of these drugs in several painful conditions.