Anaesthetic inhibiting an ion channel. Computer model showing the structure of propofol anaesthetic drug molecules (spheres) bound to a pentameric ligand-gated ion channel (pLGIC, blue ribbons). Propofol is used for inducing and maintaining general anaesthesia. pLGICs are targeted by general anaesthetics such as propofol which bind to the extracellular interface between the channel's five monomers (subunits) and inhibit its action.