Effect of General Anesthetic Agents on Microglia

Abstract

The effects of general anesthetic agents (GAAs) on microglia and their potential neurotoxicity have attracted the attention of neuroscientists. Microglia play important roles in the inflammatory process and in neuromodulation of the central nervous system. Microglia-mediated neuroinflammation is a key mechanism of neurocognitive dysfunction during the perioperative period. Microglial activation by GAAs induces anti-inflammatory and pro-inflammatory effects in microglia, suggesting that GAAs play a dual role in the mechanism of postoperative cognitive dysfunction. Understanding of the mechanisms by which GAAs regulate microglia may help to reduce the incidence of postoperative adverse effects. Here, we review the actions of GAAs on microglia and the consequent changes in microglial function. We summarize clinical and animal studies associating microglia with general anesthesia and describe how GAAs interact with neurons via microglia to further explore the mechanisms of action of GAAs in the nervous system.

Advancing Neurological Health: Insights into Aging, Immunity, and Vascular Dynamics

“…Yang et al provides a comprehensive overview of the actions of GAAs on microglia and the resulting changes in microglial function, shedding light on how GAAs interact with neurons via microglia to modulate nervous system function. This review enhances our understanding of the complex interplay between GAAs, microglia, and neuronal function, with potential implications for improving perioperative care and reducing the risk of postoperative cognitive dysfunction [ 13 ].…”

General anesthetic agents induce neurotoxicity through oligodendrocytes in the developing brain

“…Notably, in addition to acting on neurons in the brain, GAAs also act on glial cells, which provide critical support for proper neuronal function. Consequently, there is growing interest in understanding the effects of GAAs on glial cells (Yang et al, 2024a(Yang et al, , 2024b.…”