Modulation of Glutamate Release by Dexmedetomidine Preserves Dendritic Spines and Alleviates Cognitive Impairment in a Murine Model of Perioperative Neurocognitive Disorder.

ABSTRACT: Perioperative neurocognitive disorders (PNDs) represent a significant challenge in the perioperative setting, while the pathophysiology of PNDs remains unclear. Utilizing a murine model of abdominal surgery, we found that abnormal glutamatergic neurotransmission in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and hippocampus contributes to postoperative cognitive impairments. Increases in the frequency of miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents in both the mPFC and CA1 neurons indicate enhanced presynaptic glutamate release while having little effect on inhibitory neurotransmission. Surgery also enhances glutamate release from presynaptic terminals in the Schaffer collateral pathway. In addition, abdominal surgery increased the activation of microglia and astrocytes, elevated central inflammator

SUBMITTER: Zhang Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12950140 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature