Repeated inhalation of sevoflurane inhibits the information transmission of Purkinje cells and delays motor development via the GABA(A) receptor ε subunit in neonatal mice

General anesthesia is widely used in pediatric surgery, although the influence of general anesthesia on cerebellar information transmission and motor function is unclear. In the present study, neonatal mice received repeated inhalation of sevoflurane, and electrophysiological alterations in Purkinje cells (PCs) and the development of motor functions were detected. In addition, γ-aminobutyric acid(A) receptor ε (GABA(A)-R ε) subunit knockout mice were used to investigate the mechanism of action of sevoflurane on cerebellar function. In the neonatal mice, the field potential response of PCs induced by sensory stimulation and the motor function indices were markedly inhibited by sevoflurane, and the inhibitory effect was positively associated with the number of repetitions of anesthesia. In additional the GABA(A)-R ε subunit level of PCs was promoted by sevoflurane in a dose-dependent manner, and the inhibitory effects of sevoflurane on PC field potential response and motor function were alleviated in GABA(A)-R ε subunit knockout mice. The GABA(A)-R ε subunit was activated by sevoflurane, leading to inhibition of sensory information transmission in the cerebellar cortex, field potential responses of PCs and the development of cerebellar motor function. The present study provided experimental evidence for the safe usage of sevoflurane in clinical anesthesia, and suggested that GABA(A)-R ε subunit antagonists may be considered for combined application with general anesthesia with repeated inhalation of sevoflurane, for adverse effect prevention in the clinic.