Molecular neurobiology
-
Molecular neurobiology · Jan 2020
Sevoflurane-Induced Dysregulation of Cation-Chloride Cotransporters NKCC1 and KCC2 in Neonatal Mouse Brain.
The cation-chloride cotransporters Na+-K+-2Cl--1 (NKCC1) and K+-2Cl--2 (KCC2) critically regulate neuronal responses to gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). NKCC1 renders GABA excitatory in immature neurons while expression of KCC2 signals GABA maturation to its inhibitory role. Imbalances in NKCC1/KCC2 alter GABA neurotransmission, which may contribute to hyperexcitability and blunted inhibition in neurocircuitry after neonatal exposure to anesthesia. ⋯ After propofol challenge on PND8, pups previously exposed to sevoflurane on PND7 regained righting reflex significantly faster than their non-exposed cohort (p < 0.001). Disturbing NKCC1/KCC2 balance may underlie circuit hyperexcitability and contribute to neurodevelopmental impairments we have observed in previous studies of neonatal anesthesia exposure. Human infants previously exposed to anesthesia may require higher concentrations of anesthetic drugs, potentially compounding their susceptibility for neurodevelopmental sequalae.