Abstract:

Aim: Developing brain is vulnerable to side effects of anesthetics. Neurotoxic and cognitive alterations have been documented in several species, and there is concern that small children could be affected adversely if they are exposed for long periods or recurrently to inhalation anesthesia In this experiment we aim to evaluate behavioral and neurotoxic effects of sevoflurane (SEVO) and/or dexmedetomidine (DEX) exposure in pup rats. Materials and method: Postnatal 21 days old 36 rat were randomly divided into 6 groups (Group I (control); Group II:2.5% SEVO for 4 hours; Group III:2.5% SEVO for 4 hours+intraperitoneal (i.p.) 0.5 µg.kg-1 DEX; Group IV:2.5% SEVO for 4 hours+i.p. 5 µg.kg-1 DEX; Group V: i.p. 0.5 µg.kg-1 DEX; Group VI: i.p. 5 µg.kg-1 DEX was given). Behavior of the rat were examined with the modified Radial Arm Maze test. Histopathological evaluation of the pups’ rat brain for neuroinflammation and apoptosis was performed. Statistical evaluation was carried out using the SPSS 20.0, P value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Single 2.5% SEVO exposure for 4 hours during early life period in rats is although not show neuroinflammation signs the brain tissue histologically but impaired learning and memory in behavior test (P<0.05). In CA3 stage of the brain tissue apoptosis percentage was diminished in SEVO+DEX groups for comparison with control and single SEVO groups (P<0.05). Conclusions: Adding DEX to SEVO caused less impairment in memory and learning function. But single 5 µg.kg-1 DEX negatively affected learning and memory function but not locomotor activity and anxiety.

Keywords: