Molecular pathways of mitochondrial dysfunctions: Possible cause of cell death in anesthesia-induced developmental neurotoxicity

• Mitochondrial oxidative stress in anesthesia-induced developmental neurotoxicity.
• Mitochondrial dynamics dysfunction in anesthesia-induced neurotoxicity.
• Ca2+ homeostasis defects participates in anesthesia-induced neurotoxicity.
• Anesthesia induces neuron apoptosis through mitochondria pathway.

The effect of anesthesia on the developing brain has attracted more attention and arguments. This review summarizes various studies on developmental neurotoxicity induced by anesthesia, particularly focuses on the function of the mitochondrial dysfunction. Experimental results present evidence that general anesthesia can cause mitochondrial dysfunction via complex pathways, including oxidative stress, electron transport chain dysfunction, mitochondrial dynamics, calcium homeostasis, and mitochondrion-dependent apoptotic pathway. Hence, the molecular processes of mitochondrial dysfunction should be understood to develop novel therapeutic strategies that can prevent anesthesia-induced neurotoxicity and provide neuroprotection against developmental central nervous system.