How does Sodium thiopental affect the brain/body?

[Toby A]

I've read through Wikipedia etc, and I realise that it causes unconsciousness, and is an anaesthetic, but could anyone tell me the chemical processes that occur?

For example, if it binds to enzymes, which does it bind to?
Or if it inhibits another chemical, which one?

Thanks in advance

[ladypam]

Pentothal or sodium thiopental is a described to be an ultrashort acting thiobarbiturate or the sulfur analog of pentobarbital. The chemical basis for its anesthetic activity is in its solubility in lipids, that is needed for entry into the brain. The faster its entry, the faster the depression on the brain, the quicker the anesthetic effect. With thiopental, the thio group enhances its lipid solubility, thus entering the brain faster.

Thiopental is metabolized by liver enzymes and excreted in urine.

Barbiturates are known to depress all brain cell activity. it is not selective. However, it is seen that the reticular activating system is quite sensitive, therefore being affected faster. The neurotransmitter GABA is found to be affected in low doses of barbiturates.

Hope this helps