Duration-dependent regulation of autophagy by isoflurane exposure in aged rats.

Current evidence suggests a central role for autophagy in many inflammatory brain disorders, including Alzheimer's disease (AD). Furthermore, it is also well accepted that some inhalation anesthetics, such as isoflurane, may cause AD-like neuropathogenesis and resultant postoperative cognitive dysfunction, especially in the elderly population. However, the impact of inhalation anesthetics on autophagic components in the brain remains to be documented.

Surgical stress induces brain-derived neurotrophic factor reduction and postoperative cognitive dysfunction via glucocorticoid receptor phosphorylation in aged mice.

Aims: This study explored whether surgical stress-induced glucocorticoid receptor (GR) phosphorylation is related to postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) in aged individuals. Inhibition of GR activation could be an effective treatment for POCD.

Methods: A laparotomy was given to C57/BL6 mice in POCD group both 20 and 6 months old.