The channel is opened by anionic lipid, certain anesthetics, membrane stretching, intracellular acidosis, and heat.

[9] In the neurons of the central nervous system, TREK-1 channels are important in physiological, pathophysiological, and pharmacological processes, including having a role in electrogenesis, ischemia, and anesthesia.

TREK-1 has an important role in neuroprotection against epilepsy and brain and spinal cord ischemia and is being evaluated as a potential target for new developments of therapeutic agents for neurology and anesthesiology.

[12] The insertion of certain compounds into the membrane, including inhaled anesthetics and propofol, activate TREK-1 through the enzyme phospholipase D2 (PLD2).

[13] This article incorporates text from the United States National Library of Medicine, which is in the public domain.