[Cellular effects of anesthetics].

Abstract

Anesthetic drugs have multiple effects on cellular structures and functions. Among these are membrane perturbations, cell division, DNA synthesis, disruption of microtubules and microfilaments, phagocytosis and cell locomotion. Some of these effects are reversible, and directly correlated to concentration and length of exposure; other, however, seriously compromise cellular integrity and vital functions. A review of the literature and current work are presented.