Anesthesiology
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The γ-aminobutyric acid-mediated (GABAergic) inhibitory system in the brain is critical for regulation of sleep-wake and general anesthesia. The lateral septum contains mainly GABAergic neurons, being cytoarchitectonically divided into the dorsal, intermediate, and ventral parts. This study hypothesized that GABAergic neurons of the lateral septum participate in the control of wakefulness and promote recovery from anesthesia. ⋯ The results uncover a fundamental role of the lateral septum GABAergic neurons and their circuit in maintaining awake state and promoting general anesthesia emergence time.