Meyer-Overton Theory of Anesthesia

The Meyer-Overton theory of anesthesia is one of the most significant theories in the field of anesthesia. It was developed by the Hungarian pharmacologist Nikolaus Meyner (June 12, 1884 - January 31, 1972) and the English pharmacologist Charles Eliza Overton (November 4, 1876 - April 27, 1968) between 1924 and 1957.

This theory was developed as an answer to the question of how it was possible to induce an "altered state of consciousness" in a patient during surgery. In addition, the theory was developed to help understand how various anesthetics can affect the human body.

According to the Meyer-Overton theory of anesthesia, society may accept different ideas about a patient's operating status depending on time, place, and culture. These ideas underlie

Meyer-Overton Theory of Anesthesia: Understanding the Mechanisms of Action of General Anesthesia

The Meyer-Overton theory of anesthesia is one of the important concepts that explains the mechanisms of action of general anesthesia. Named after the Austrian pharmacologist Nick Meyer and the English pharmacologist Charles E. Overton, this theory aims to explain what physicochemical properties of substances can cause a narcotic effect.

Meiera and Overton conducted their research in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when the scientific understanding of anesthesia was not yet sufficiently developed. During their experiments, they noticed that different chemicals had varying degrees of narcotic activity. They concluded that the narcotic effect depends on the lipid solubility of the substance.

According to Meyer and Overton, substances with high lipid solubility exhibit a narcotic effect. This is because the membranes of cells, including neurons, consist mainly of lipids. When a drug enters the body, it dissolves in membrane lipids and changes their physicochemical properties. This in turn leads to changes in the functioning of the nervous system and causes a narcotic effect.

However, Meyer and Overton also noted that this theory does not fully explain all aspects of anesthesia. Some substances that are not highly lipophilic can also cause a narcotic effect. This indicates that there are other mechanisms of action of general anesthesia that require further investigation.

Nevertheless, the Meyer-Overton theory of anesthesia remains an important mechanism for explaining the action of many narcotic substances. Research since Meyer and Overton's initial discoveries has allowed the development of more complex models and theories that take other factors into account, such as interactions with receptors or changes in the electrophysiological characteristics of neurons.

The Meyer-Overton theory of anesthesia has practical significance in medicine and anesthesiology. It assists in the selection and development of new drugs and in understanding their pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties.

In conclusion, the Meyer-Overton theory of anesthesia represents one of the first and most influential theories explaining the mechanisms of action of general anesthesia. She emphasizes the importance of the substance's lipid solubility and its effect on cell membranes, especially nerve cells. Although this theory does not explain all aspects of anesthesia, it remains a useful tool in the research and practice of anesthesiology. Further research will clarify and expand our understanding of the mechanisms of anesthesia and create more effective and safe methods of general anesthesia.