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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
Mechanisms of Anesthetic Action and Neurotoxicity: Lessons from Molluscs
Ryden Armstrong1, Saba Riaz1, Sean Hasan1
1Vi Riddell Pain Program, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.
Abstract:
Anesthesia is a prerequisite for most surgical procedures in both animals and humans. Significant strides have been made in search of effective and safer compounds that elicit rapid induction and recovery from anesthesia. However, recent studies have highlighted possible negative effects of several anesthetic agents on the developing brain. The precise nature of this cytotoxicity remains to be determined mainly due to the complexity and the intricacies of the mammalian brain. Various invertebrates have contributed significantly toward our understanding of how both local and general anesthetics affect intrinsic membrane and synaptic properties. Moreover, the ability to reconstruct in vitro synapses between individually identifiable pre- and postsynaptic neurons is a unique characteristic of molluscan neurons allowing us to ask fundamental questions vis-à-vis the long-term effects of anesthetics on neuronal viability and synaptic connectivity. Here, we highlight some of the salient aspects of various molluscan organisms and their contributions toward our understanding of the fundamental mechanisms underlying the actions of anesthetic agents as well as their potential detrimental effects on neuronal growth and synaptic connectivity. We also present some novel preliminary data regarding a newer anesthetic agent, dexmedetomidine, and its effects on synaptic transmission between Lymnaea neurons. The findings presented here underscore the importance of invertebrates for research in the field of anesthesiology while highlighting their relevance to both vertebrates and humans.
Insights
Invertebrates offer valuable insights into anesthesia's effects on neuronal development and synaptic connectivity. Research using molluscan neurons reveals potential long-term impacts of anesthetic agents on brain health.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Anesthesiology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Anesthesia is essential for surgery, but concerns exist regarding its effects on the developing brain.
- The complexity of mammalian brains hinders understanding of anesthetic-induced neurotoxicity.
- Invertebrates, particularly molluscan neurons, provide simpler models to study anesthetic mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the contributions of invertebrates to understanding anesthetic actions on neuronal and synaptic properties.
- To explore potential detrimental effects of anesthetics on neuronal viability and synaptic connectivity.
- To present preliminary data on dexmedetomidine's effects on synaptic transmission in *Lymnaea* neurons.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on invertebrate models in anesthesiology research.
- Analysis of *in vitro* reconstructed synapses in molluscan neurons.
- Electrophysiological assessment of synaptic transmission in *Lymnaea* neurons with dexmedetomidine.
Main Results:
- Invertebrate models have elucidated fundamental mechanisms of local and general anesthetics.
- Molluscan neurons enable investigation of long-term anesthetic effects on synaptic connectivity.
- Preliminary data suggest dexmedetomidine impacts synaptic transmission in *Lymnaea*.
Conclusions:
- Invertebrates are crucial for advancing anesthesiology research, offering insights into anesthetic neurotoxicity.
- Understanding anesthetic mechanisms in invertebrates has implications for both vertebrate and human health.
- Further research using invertebrate models is warranted to assess anesthetic safety, especially for developing brains.
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