Nitrous oxide plus isoflurane induces apoptosis and increases beta-amyloid protein levels.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Some anesthetics have been suggested to induce neurotoxicity, including promotion of Alzheimer's disease neuropathogenesis. Nitrous oxide and isoflurane are common anesthetics. The authors set out to assess the effects of nitrous oxide and/or isoflurane on apoptosis and beta-amyloid (Abeta) levels in H4 human neuroglioma cells and primary neurons from naïve mice.

Methods

The cells or neurons were exposed to 70% nitrous oxide and/or 1% isoflurane for 6 h. The cells or neurons and conditioned media were harvested at the end of the treatment. Caspase-3 activation, apoptosis, processing of amyloid precursor protein, and Abeta levels were determined.

Results

Treatment with a combination of 70% nitrous oxide and 1% isoflurane for 6 h induced caspase-3 activation

SUBMITTER: Zhen Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2797570 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature