Influence of hepatic ischemia-reperfusion on postoperative spatial cognitive function in mice

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Hepatology
• Surgical Research

Background:

• Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) is a significant clinical concern.
• Hepatic ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury is a common complication during liver surgery.
• The impact of hepatic I/R on cognitive function remains incompletely understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of partial hepatic I/R on cognitive function in a mouse model.
• To assess the temporal changes in cognitive deficits following hepatic I/R.
• To examine hippocampal pathology and ChAT expression after hepatic I/R.

Main Methods:

• Kunming mice were subjected to partial hepatic I/R (20, 30, or 40 min) or sham procedures.
• Cognitive function was evaluated using a passive avoidance test at two time points (day 4 and day 18).
• Hippocampal histology (H&E staining) and immunohistochemistry for choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) were performed.

Main Results:

• Hepatic I/R significantly impaired cognitive function, evidenced by longer incubation periods and more errors in the passive avoidance test.
• Cognitive deficits showed a trend towards worsening at the later time point.
• Hippocampal ChAT expression in the CA3 area was significantly reduced in I/R groups, particularly with longer ischemia durations.

Conclusions:

• Partial hepatic I/R injury negatively impacts postoperative cognitive function in mice.
• The severity of cognitive impairment may increase with prolonged ischemia/reperfusion time.
• Reduced ChAT levels in the hippocampus suggest a potential mechanism for I/R-induced cognitive dysfunction.