Neither Xenon nor Fentanyl Induces Neuroapoptosis in the Newborn Pig Brain

BACKGROUND:Some inhalation anesthetics increase apoptotic cell death in the developing brain. Xenon, an inhalation anesthetic, increases neuroprotection when combined with therapeutic hypothermia after hypoxic-ischemic brain injury in newborn animals. The authors, therefore, examined whether there was any neuroapoptotic effect of breathing 50% xenon with continuous fentanyl sedation for 24 h at normothermia or hypothermia on newborn pigs. METHODS:Twenty-six healthy pigs (