A new target spot for the treatment of postoperative cognitive dysfunction：the GABA_A receptor related-drugs

Background Postoperative cognitive dysfunction （POCD） is one of the most common perioperative complications. The γ-aminobutyricacid type A （GABAA） receptor, which is a type of inhibitory receptor in central nervous system, may play an important role on the development of POCD. Objective To review the effects of GABAA receptor related-drugs on POCD. Content GABAA receptor agonist, GABAA receptor antagonist and GABA_A receptor inverse agonist, may have effects of induction, inversion or improvement on POCD, respectively. Trend The GABAA receptor related -drugs may provide a new attractive therapeutic option for POCD, and it maybe a highlight of future research. Key words: Postoperative cognitive dysfunction;  γ-aminobutyricacid type A receptor;  γ-aminobutyricacid type Areceptor antagonist;  γ-aminobutyricacid type A receptor agonist