Research and Grants

SmartTots acknowledges insufficient human data exist to determine whether anesthetics induce neurotoxicity in the developing brain. SmartTots is dedicating its initial research investigations to elucidating whether a signal suggesting anesthetics induce neurodegeneration in the developing brain does, in fact, exist. Research will focus on volatile anesthetics administered during developmental periods of rapid brain growth in high-risk circumstances, such as prolonged exposure. Thus far, implicated anesthetic agents include NMDA receptor antagonists, such as ketamine, and GABA agonists, such as sevoflurane.

As determined by our Scientific Advisory Board, SmartTots will fund research focused primarily on three fundamental areas:

1. What is the spectrum of general anesthetic agents, sedatives, surgical procedures, and/or opiates that cause developmental neurotoxicity? What are the doses, durations, and frequencies of exposure? What are the most vulnerable periods of development?
2. Are there short- and long-term neurocognitive, emotional, behavioral, and/or social outcomes resulting from exposure to anesthetic agents?
3. What approaches can be taken to prevent or mitigate developmental anesthetic neurotoxicity?

Our first application cycle is now closed. View our 2012 grants recipients, signup to receive electronic notifications of future grant opportunities.