Scheme depicting key elements of the pathways activated in anaesthetic-induced protection as described in the text. ETC, electron transport chain; HIF1α, hypoxia-inducible factor 1α; HSP90, heat shock protein 90; Mito KATP, mitochondrial ATP-sensitive potassium channels; mPTP, mitochondrial permeability transition pore; RNS, reactive nitrogen species; Sarc KATP, sarcolemmal ATP-sensitive potassium channels; SUR, sulfonylurea receptor.