The Anesthetic Effects of Natural Xenon on Cortical Neurons

Natural xenon is a clinically relevant anesthetic, yet its effects on neural activity at the network level remain partially unknown, specifically in human derived systems. This project investigates how xenon exposure alters neural dynamics in mouse and human cortical organoids. Neural activity was recorded during controlled gas exposure using MEAs and two-photon calcium imaging in a pressure-regulated system. Xenon was delivered in a stepwise ramp from 0 to 32 PSI, followed by washout and recovery, with helium as a pressure control. Activity was quantified using firing rate, interspike intervals, burst dynamics, and network synchrony. We hypothesize that xenon suppresses excitability, alters bursting, and induces pressure dependent network changes that are reversible. These effects involve ion channels and receptors like NMDARs, AMPARs, and HCN channels. This work creates a scalable framework for studying xenon’s effects and supports future mechanistic or isotope based investigations.