The role of the serotonin 7 receptor (5-HT7 receptor) subtype in a number of domains has been widely recognized, but its role in the regulation of changes of the circadian rhythm after anesthesia is still unclear. We used intraperitoneal injection of 5-HT7 receptor agonist LP-211 or antagonist SB-269970 in mice to influence the level of 5-HT7 receptor protein in the SCN and to observe the role of this receptor on circadian rhythm changes after isoflurane anesthesia. Our results show the appropriate dose of SB-269970 significantly alleviated the circadian rhythm disorder induced by isoflurane anesthesia, while LP-211 significantly aggravated it after anesthesia, which is different from the phase shift that can be caused by the administration of LP-211 before anesthesia. These findings may indicate the 5-HT7 receptor plays a complex role in the regulation of circadian rhythm after anesthesia. Our findings may provide some positive significance for alleviating circadian rhythm disorder in patients after anesthesia and ultimately promoting rapid postoperative recovery.
Keywords: Anesthesia; circadian rhythm; mouse model; phase shift; serotonin 7 receptor; suprachiasmatic nucleus.