Lesion of cholinergic neurons in nucleus basalis enhances response to general anesthetics

► Nucleus basalis in basal forebrain desynchronizes neocortical slow wave activity. ► Lesion of cholinergic n. basalis neurons prolonged effects of general anesthetics. ► Reversible inactivation of nucleus basalis prolonged effects of general anesthetics. ► Delirium during halothane anesthesia was reduced in lesion and inactivated rats. ► Lesion of nucleus basalis enhances behavioral responses to a general anesthetic.