Extracellular RNAs-TLR3 signaling contributes to cognitive decline in a mouse model of postoperative cognitive dysfunction.

•Enhanced expression of TLR3 are present in a mouse model of POCD.•TLR3 is increased in neuronal and microglial cells in the hippocampus.•TLR3 knockout blocks inflammatory and apoptotic signaling and alleviates POCD.•ExRNAs, specifically dsRNAs, and co-localization with TLR3 are increased.•TLR3/dsRNA complex inhibitor reduces inflammation and apoptosis and alleviates POCD.