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.