Title:Windows to Consciousness: The Role of Fronto-Parietal Connectivity in Anesthesia-Induced Unconsciousness
Volume: 24
Issue: 3
Author(s): Yuanyuan Ding, Shiya Liu, Kaixin Wang, Junya Kang, Wenqi Chen, Shujun Sun, Yuxin Hu, Yunyun Han*Xiangdong Chen*
Affiliation:
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Department of Anesthesiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology,
Wuhan, 430022, Hubei Province, China
- Institute of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Key Laboratory of
Anesthesiology and Resuscitation (Huazhong University of Science and Technology), Ministry of Education, Wuhan,
China
Keywords:
Consciousness, anesthesia, fronto-parietal connection, information integration, neuroimaging studies, loss of responsiveness.
Abstract: The exploration of consciousness and the elucidation of the mechanisms underlying general
anesthesia are two intertwined endeavors that have significantly advanced our understanding of
the neural correlates of awareness. Both fields converge on the neural systems that regulate consciousness.
Frontoparietal networks, known for their involvement in executive functions, attention,
and cognitive control, emerge as key players in the transition from wakefulness to anesthesiainduced
unconsciousness. This review synthesizes recent findings highlighting the pivotal role of
fronto-parietal connectivity in the induction and maintenance of unconsciousness by general anesthetics.
By examining functional neuroimaging studies and neurophysiological data, we elucidate
how disruptions in fronto-parietal interactions contribute to the loss of responsiveness and altered
states of awareness associated with anesthesia. Additionally, we further explain the underlying
mechanism at both the neuronal and molecular levels. Furthermore, we discuss the implications of
these findings for advancing our understanding of the neural correlates of consciousness and the development
of novel anesthetic agents with more predictable and targeted effects on consciousness.
This review decisively bridges the gap between consciousness research and anesthetic pharmacology,
providing a robust framework for future investigations into the neural mechanisms that control
transitions between conscious states.
