Ira S. Kass

Ira S. Kass is a Professor at Downstate University in the Anesthesiology department under the Physiology and Pharmacology school. His research focuses on the divergent effects of anesthetics including

• Neonatal anesthesia-induced behavioral deficits
• Ketamine as dual anesthetic/antidepressant
• Lidocaine and sevoflurane for cerebral ischemia protection

His lab investigates microRNA regulation, neuronal circuitry, and mTOR pathway activation to mitigate pediatric anesthesia risks. Recent studies show sevoflurane's dual role in impairing adult social behavior after neonatal exposure while enhancing hypoxia recovery through protein synthesis. Collaborative work with J.E. Cottrell and Daisy Lin spans anesthetic neurotoxicity and clinical pain management.