Localized brainstem microinjection of GABA_A-R agonists induces loss of consciousness.

Lesioning this locus extends the duration of anesthesia, but does not induce coma.

Locus-specific lesions render animals relatively insensitive to systemic anesthetics.

Systemic anesthetics may act, at least in part, by engaging this locus.

The locus is a node in a network of dedicated pathways able to switch brain state.