Neuronal apoptosis may not contribute to the long-term cognitive dysfunction induced by a brief exposure to 2% sevoflurane in developing rats

摘要

Background: Sevoflurane is an inhaled anesthetic commonly used in the pediatric. Recent animal studies suggest that early exposure to high concentration of sevoflurane for a long duration can induce neuroapoptosis and later cognitive dysfunction. However, the neurodevelopmental impact induced by lower concentration and shorter exposure duration of sevoflurane is unclear. To investigate whether early exposure to 2% concentration of sevoflurane for a short duration (clinically relevant usage of sevoflurane) can also induce neuroapoptosis and later cognitive dysfunction.