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Use of a Piglet Model for the Study of Anesthetic-induced Developmental Neurotoxicity AIDN: A Translational Neuroscience Approach
Published on: June 11, 2017
Application of advanced preclinical models and methods in anesthetic neurotoxicity research
Cheng Wang1, Xuan Zhang1, Fang Liu1
1Division of Neurotoxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research (NCTR)/FDA, Jefferson, AR, USA.
Abstract:
Recently, there has been increasing concern regarding the potential of anesthetics to disturb the long-term function of the central nervous system (CNS). The field of anesthesia-related toxicology, therefore, has engaged multiple scientific disciplines and utilized a variety of pre-clinical research models in an attempt to identify the basic characteristics of the anesthetic agents that may produce acute and/or chronic adverse effects on the CNS. This review discusses how the application of advanced research approaches and models, such as the nonhuman primate, neural stem cell-derived organotypic slice cultures and/or organs-on-chips systems, can serve as translational models of infantile anesthetic exposure. Utilization of these models may expeditiously decrease the uncertainty in the risk posed to children by postnatal anesthetic exposure.
Insights
Anesthetics may impact long-term central nervous system (CNS) function. Advanced translational models, including nonhuman primates and organoids, help assess risks of infantile anesthetic exposure in children.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Toxicology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Growing concerns exist about anesthetics' potential to disrupt long-term central nervous system (CNS) function.
- Anesthesia-related toxicology research integrates multiple scientific disciplines to understand adverse CNS effects.
- Pre-clinical models are crucial for identifying anesthetic characteristics linked to acute or chronic CNS damage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review advanced research models for assessing infantile anesthetic exposure.
- To highlight the utility of translational models in understanding CNS risks associated with anesthetics.
- To reduce uncertainty regarding the risks of postnatal anesthetic exposure in children.
Main Methods:
- Discussion of advanced research approaches and models.
- Focus on nonhuman primate models.
- Exploration of neural stem cell-derived organotypic slice cultures and organs-on-chips systems.
Main Results:
- These advanced models offer translational insights into infantile anesthetic exposure.
- Application of these models can expedite risk assessment for pediatric populations.
- The reviewed models aid in understanding the fundamental characteristics of anesthetics affecting the CNS.
Conclusions:
- Advanced translational models are vital for evaluating the neurotoxic potential of anesthetics in infants.
- Utilizing models like nonhuman primates and organoids can improve the safety assessment of anesthetic agents for children.
- Further research employing these sophisticated models will clarify the long-term CNS risks of early-life anesthetic exposure.

