Plasma amyloid beta level changes in aged mice with cognitive dysfunction following sevoflurane exposure

Abstract Introduction Previous studies have stated that cognitive impairment induced by anesthetics was associated with amyloid beta (Aβ). However, few researchers have investigated the transport of Aβ inside and outside of the brain. Aim We attempted to probe the effects of sevoflurane on cognitive functions, the plasma Aβ, and transporters of Aβ in aged mice. The receptor for advanced glycation end-products (RAGE) is an Aβ influx protein, and Low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein-1 (LRP-1) is an Aβ efflux protein. Methods Aged mice were divided into the control group and the sevoflurane group. The mice were exposed to 100% oxygen or 2.5% sevoflurane for 2 h. The abilities of spatial learning and memory in mice were tested using the Morris water maze. Aβ concentrations of plasma were measured with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. The RAGE and LRP-1 gene levels in the brain were assessed with quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and the protein levels were determined by western blot analysis. The locations of RAGE in the brain were confirmed via immunofluorescence. Results In the sevoflurane group mice, the escape latency was increased on the 5th day of training, and the time spent in the target quadrant was decreased on the 7th day after anesthesia. Sevoflurane reduced the concentration of plasma Aβ1–40. In addition, sevoflurane increased both gene and protein levels of RAGE in the brain, and increased RAGE proteins co-localized with the hippocampal vascular endothelial cells. Conclusion RAGE over-expression in the hippocampal vascular endothelial cells possibly resulted in the excessive transport of the plasma Aβ1–40 into the brain after treatment with sevoflurane, which was associated with sevoflurane-induced cognitive dysfunction in aged mice.