Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 12, 2026

Adaptation of Microelectrode Array Technology for the Study of Anesthesia-induced Neurotoxicity in the Intact Piglet Brain
Published on: May 12, 2018
[Effects of general anaesthetics on the developing brain]
F Mons1, P Kwetieu de Lendeu, S Marret
1CHU Charles-Nicolle, Rouen, France.
Objective:
To expose the current knowledge about the anaesthetic effects on the developing brain.
Data Sources:
Publications (original articles and reviews) in English and in French language from 1980 were obtained from the Medline database using alone or in combination following keywords: anaesthetics, developing brain, neurodevelopment, neurogenesis, synaptogenesis, neurotoxicity, apoptosis.
Data Synthesis:
Several lines of evidence resulting from animal experiments conducted in rodents and non-human primates have suggested that exposing the developing brain to anaesthetic drugs may elicit an increase a physiological programmed neuronal death (i.e. apoptosis). This neuronal death is not only seen at the cellular level but also results in alterations in some behavioural abilities in the adult animal. However, the vast majority of experiments reported have been conducted in animals not exposed to any surgical or painful stimulation. Moreover, the literature raises contradictory results, some authors not confirming this neurotoxic effect of anaesthetic drugs. Last, available clinical data are scarce and do not allow to claim that exposure to general anaesthesia definitely alters the cognitive development of children.
Conclusion:
This review raises the question of the innocuity of anaesthetic agents on the developing brain; further clinical trials are required in order to test this effect on human babies.
Related Concept Videos
General Anesthesia: Overview
General anesthesia induces unconsciousness in the whole body, while the others target specific areas or sensations. It is administered to minimize adverse effects, maintain...
Stages of General Anesthesia
Parenteral Anesthetics: Overview
Local Anesthetics: Adverse Effects
Once absorbed into the systemic circulation, local anesthetics can affect the organs that depend on the functioning of sodium...
Inhalational Anesthetics: Overview
Local Anesthetics: Chemistry and Structure-Activity Relationship
