Enhancement of astrocytic gap junctions Connexin43 coupling can improve long-term isoflurane anesthesia-mediated brain network abnormalities and cognitive impairment.

ABSTRACT:

Aim

Astrocytes are connected by gap junctions Connexin43 (GJs-Cx43) forming an extensive intercellular network and maintain brain homeostasis. Perioperative neurocognitive disorder (PND) occurs frequently after anesthesia/surgery and worsens patient outcome, but the neural circuit mechanisms remain unclear. This study aimed to determine the effects of the GJs-Cx43-mediated astrocytic network on PND and ascertain the underlying neural circuit mechanism.

Methods

Male C57BL/6 mice were treated with long-term isoflurane exposure to construct a mouse model of PND. We also exposed primary mouse astrocytes to long-term isoflurane exposure to simulate the conditions of in vivo cognitive dysfunction. Behavioral tests were performed using the Y-maze and fear conditioning (FC) tests. M

SUBMITTER: Dong R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9627365 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature