Question

What does the specific receptor theory state?

(a) Local anesthetics bind to various receptors

(b) Produces chemical changes to the receptors

(c) Tries to open all the closed sodium gates

(d) Binding produces conformational changes

This question was addressed to me during a job interview.

This intriguing question originated from Mechanism of Action of Local Anesthetic in chapter Local & General Anesthetics, Opioid Analgesics, Drug Addiction and Drug Abuse of Drug Biotechnology

Answer 1

Correct choice is (d) Binding produces conformational changes

The best I can explain: Local anesthetics bind to specific receptors within the sodium channel producing physical obstruction to the entry of sodium ions. The act of binding produces conformational changes within the channel. It binds to a closed gate and maintains it in the closed position.