Mechanistic Insights into Neurotoxicity Induced by Anesthetics in the Developing Brain

International Journal of Molecular Sciences

Xi Lei¹  Qihao Guo² 

[1] Department of Anesthesiology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China; E-Mail:;Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China; E-Mail:

关键词: general anesthetics;    apoptosis;    neurotoxicity;    mechanisms;    developing brain;   

DOI  :  10.3390/ijms13066772

来源: mdpi

【 摘 要 】

Compelling evidence has shown that exposure to anesthetics used in the clinic can cause neurodegeneration in the mammalian developing brain, but the basis of this is not clear. Neurotoxicity induced by exposure to anesthestics in early life involves neuroapoptosis and impairment of neurodevelopmental processes such as neurogenesis, synaptogenesis and immature glial development. These effects may subsequently contribute to behavior abnormalities in later life. In this paper, we reviewed the possible mechanisms of anesthetic-induced neurotoxicity based on new in vitro and in vivo findings. Also, we discussed ways to protect against anesthetic-induced neurotoxicity and their implications for exploring cellular and molecular mechanisms of neuroprotection. These findings help in improving our understanding of developmental neurotoxicology and in avoiding adverse neurological outcomes in anesthesia practice.

【 授权许可】

CC BY   
© 2012 by the authors; licensee Molecular Diversity Preservation International, Basel, Switzerland.