Neuroprotective and neurorestorative potential of xenon

Abstract

Xenon is a monatomic gas that belongs to the family of noble gases. Like other noble gases, it is characterized by a filled valence shell and therefore exhibits low chemical reactivity. Paradoxically, xenon possesses a remarkable spectrum of biological effects that are of potential clinical interest. Xenon is an approved anesthetic drug with analgesic properties. 1 , 2 In addition to that xenon is neuroprotective in preclinical models of focal and global brain ischemia, spinal cord ischemia and traumatic brain injury. 1 , 2 These neuroprotective effects are generally observed at concentrations of xenon ranging from 35 to 75%. 1 , 2 , 3 Although the activation of ATP-sensitive potassium channels or of two-pore potassium channels may explain some of the neuroprotective effects of xenon, the noble gas appears to work primarily by limiting the overstimulation of N -methyl- d -aspartate (NMDA) glutamate receptors under excitotoxic stress conditions. 1 , 4 More specifically, xenon has been reported to compete with glycine, a co-agonist for NMDA receptor activation. 1