Dysfunction of inflammation-resolving pathways is associated with postoperative cognitive decline in elderly mice

Background: Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) refers to a reversible, perioperative mental disorder. POCD increases the likelihood of postoperative complications and the risk for postoperative mortality, typically among elderly patients (age 65 or older). The importance of the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway (CAP) in resolving neuro-inflammatory and cognitive decline caused by sterile trauma has been recognized. We speculate that the POCD in elderly mice is associated with dysfunction of CAP. Methods: Mice were assigned to several groups (n = 5 in each group): AM (adult mice) Sham, AM (adult mice) Surgery, EM (elderly mice) Sham, EM (elderly mice) Surgery, and EM-P (elderly mice with PNU) Surgery. At 24 h after surgery, assessed the cognitive levels. Pro-inflammatory cytokines in peripheral blood and splenic monocytes (TNF-alpha, IL-6 and IL-10) were assessed by ELISA and qPCR. Levels of M2 macrophages in hippocampus were visualized by immunofluorescence. Detecting CD11b/c(+) alpha 7 nAChR(+) cells in the spleens with flow cytometry. Results: At postoperative 24 h, elderly mice exhibited significantly increased POCD compared with adult mice. The proinflammatory factor TNF-alpha and IL-6 were higher among elderly surgery mice (EM) compared with adult surgery (AM) and elderly-P surgery mice (EM-P); the anti-inflammatory factor IL-10 and M2 macrophages were lower among EM surgery mice compared with AM surgery and EM-P surgery mice. The CD11b/c(+)alpha 7 nAChR(+) population of splenocytes was reduced in the EM surgery mice. Conclusions: The exaggerated and persistent cognitive decline and inflammatory response among elderly mice were associated with dysfunction of CAP, and these phenomena were reversed by alpha 7nAch receptor agonists.