Effect of inhalation of enflurane in early pregtancy on the expression of NR2B in the hippocampus of offsprings of rats

Abstract

Objective To investigate the effect of inhalation of enflurane on the expression of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor subunit 2B (NR2B) in the hippocampus of the offsprings of rats.Methods Thirty SD rats pregnancy 8-10 day weighing 200-250 g were randomly divided into 3 groups ( n =10 each):control group (Group C),4 h inhalation of enflurane group ( group E1 ) and 8 h inhalation of enflurane group ( group E2 ).Group E1 and E2inhaled 1.7 ％ enflurane (in O2 2 L/min) for 4 and 8 h respectively,while group C inhaled oxygen 2 L/rin for 8 h.The learning and memory functions of the offsprings were assessed at 20 and 30 days after birth by Morris maze test.The expression of the NR2B mRNA were examined by RT-PCR,NR2B protein were examined by mmunohistochemistry.Results Compared with group C,the escape latency was significantly prolonged,the frequency of crossing the original platform was significantly decreased,the staying time at the original platform quadrant was significantly shortened at 3-5 days after the test in group E1 and E2 (.P ＜ 0.05 ),the expression levels of NR2B mRNA and protein were significantly decreased at 20 and 30 days after birth in group E1 and E2 ( P ＜ 0.05).There were no significant differences in the indexes mentioned above between groups E1 and F2 ( P ＞ 0.05).Conclusion Inhalation enflurane in the early pregnancy can result in cognition dysfunction through inhibiting NR2B expression in the hippocampus of the offsprings of the rats. Key words: Anesthetics,inhalation; Pregnancy trimester, first; Receptors, N-methyl- D-aspartate