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Updated: Feb 5, 2026

Use of a Piglet Model for the Study of Anesthetic-induced Developmental Neurotoxicity AIDN: A Translational Neuroscience Approach
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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

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Signaling network between the dysregulated expression of microRNAs and mRNAs in propofol-induced developmental

Congshan Jiang1,2, Sarah Logan3,4, Yasheng Yan3

  • 1Department of Anesthesiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA.

Scientific Reports
|September 23, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Propofol anesthesia in developing mice causes brain cell death and memory problems. This study reveals altered microRNA (miRNA) and messenger RNA (mRNA) networks, suggesting a mechanism for propofol-induced neurotoxicity.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Developmental Biology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • General anesthetics can cause neuroapoptosis in developing animals, leading to cognitive deficits.
  • The precise mechanisms behind anesthetic-induced neurotoxicity remain largely unknown.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of propofol on microRNA (miRNA) and messenger RNA (mRNA) profiles in the developing mouse hippocampus.
  • To identify interactive signaling networks affected by propofol exposure.

Main Methods:

  • Postnatal day 7 (P7) mice were exposed to propofol for 3 hours.
  • Hippocampal tissues were analyzed for miRNA, mRNA expression, and apoptosis at P7 and P60.
  • Cognitive function was assessed using the Morris Water Maze in P60 mice.

Main Results:

  • Propofol induced acute apoptosis and impaired memory in mice.
  • Significant alterations in miRNA and mRNA expression were observed in the hippocampus post-propofol exposure.
  • Bioinformatics analysis identified dysregulated miRNA-mRNA target pairs linked to neurological and developmental processes.

Conclusions:

  • Acute propofol exposure alters miRNA-mRNA signaling networks in the developing mouse hippocampus.
  • These molecular changes are associated with neuroapoptosis and long-term cognitive dysfunction.
  • Dysregulated miRNA-mRNA networks may underlie propofol-induced developmental neurotoxicity.

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