Estrogen improves sevoflurane-induced cognitive dysfunction by regulating synaptic zinc homeostasis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Sevoflurane is known to induce cognitive dysfunction, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Recent evidence suggests that disruptions in synaptic zinc homeostasis may contribute to neurotoxicity and cognitive impairment. This study investigates the role of synaptic zinc imbalance in sevoflurane-induced cognitive dysfunction and evaluates the neuroprotective effects of estrogen.

Methods

Aged female C57BL/6 mice were exposed to sevoflurane to induce neurotoxicity. Synaptic zinc levels, Tau phosphorylation, synaptic vesicle numbers, neuronal firing frequency, and neuronal damage were assessed. The effects of zinc chelation with CaEDTA and estrogen supplementation on these parameters, as well as cognitive performance in the Morris water maze and Y-maze tests,

SUBMITTER: Li F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12522931 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature