Anesthetic neurotoxicity and long-term behavior disturbance

Background Anesthesia increases the death rate of neurons in the developing brain,which has been confirmed by a large number of animal experiments.Combined or repeated anesthesia is more likely to result in long-term impairments of brain function.Objective This article reviews the possible mechanisms of anesthetic neurotoxicity and long-term behavior disturbance,and brings together the recent evidences of the neurotoxicity to non-human primates and humans.Content The ideas generally accepted on anesthetic neurotoxicity,the possible mechanisms of anesthetic neurotoxicity and long-term impairments of brain function,and main results of recent studies on anesthetic neurotoxicity to non-human primates and humans.Trend The existing evidences suggest that the influence of anesthesia on the developing brain can not be ignored.Further studies are warranted. Key words: Anesthesia; Neurotoxicity; Long-term behavior