2013•Brazilian Journal of Anesthesiology (English Edition)Open access
Anesthetics, Cerebral Protection and Preconditioning
Rogean Rodrigues Nunes, Gastão F. Duval Neto, Júlio César Garcia de Alencar, Suyane Benevides Franco, Nayanna Quezado de Andrade, Danielle Maia Holanda Dumaresq, Sara Lúcia Cavalcante
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Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Several studies demonstrate that cerebral preconditioning is a protective mechanism against a stressful situation. Preconditioning determinants are described, as well as the neuroprotection provided by anesthetic and non-anesthetics agents. CONTENT: Review based on the main articles addressing the pathophysiology of ischemia-reperfusion and neuronal injury and pharmacological and non-pharmacological factors (inflammation, glycemia, and temperature) related to the change in response to ischemia-reperfusion, in addition to neuroprotection induced by anesthetic use. CONCLUSIONS: The brain has the ability to protect itself against ischemia when stimulated. The elucidation of this mechanism enables the application of preconditioning inducing substances (some anesthetics), other drugs, and non-pharmacological measures, such as hypothermia, aimed at inducing tolerance to ischemic lesions.
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