Neuroinflammation: an important mechanism of sevoflurane-induced developmental neurotoxicity
Year: 2026
Type: review
Abstract: For more than 150 years, the effects of general anaesthetics were assumed to be transient and harmless. However, in the last 2 decades, an increasing number of studies have reported structural and cognitive problems in the brain, particularly the developing brain. Despite increasing evidence of anaesthetic-induced neurotoxicity in animal research, data in humans have been contradictory and confusing. Sevoflurane is the most often used anaesthetic in newborns and applied during millions of procedures worldwide each year; however, this medicine has the potential to be neurotoxic. Short-term or a single exposure to sevoflurane has little effect on cognitive function; however, lengthy or repetitive exposure to general anaesthetics can result in cognitive impairment. This review focuses on the processes through which sevoflurane exposure during development can cause long-term negative consequences for the brain. We focus extensively on the link between sevoflurane anaesthesia and neuroinflammation as critical pathways for sevoflurane-induced developmental neurotoxicity. These findings are intended to offer a theoretical framework for the development of precise neuroprotective techniques and the optimization of current anaesthetic regimens.
Source: Frontiers in Pharmacology
Authors: Xiaoying Liu, Yue Zhou, Ting Xiang
Language: English
Subfield: Developmental Neuroscience
Field: Neuroscience
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,801
OpenAlex ID: W7222955643