The possible mechanisms about general anesthetics induced postpoerative cognitive dysfunction

Background Although researches have confirmed that general anesthetics could effect on cognitive function,the underlying mechanisms and the contribution of general anaesthesia in particular to postoperative cognitive dysfunction remain unclear.Objective To review the mechanism of general anesthetics induced cognitive dysfunction.Content General anesthetics may intervent cognitive dysfunction through neurotransmitter and its receptor,synaptic plasticity,microtubules related protein and neuroapoptosis.Trend To explore the exact mechanisms of postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD),and to find the possible methods for prevention or treatment of POCD. Key words: General anesthetic;  Postoperative cognitive dysfunction;  γ-aminobutyrate A receptor;  Synaptic plasticity;  Tau protein ;  Apoptosis