〔Abstract〕 Objective To investigate the effects of ropivacaine on brain cell apoptosis and learning ability in neonatal mice. Methods 60 newborn mice were randomly divided into three groups, control group:low dose group and high dose group(20 mices/group). Mice in low dose group and high dose group respectively by micro syringe was given intraperitoneally 0.5% ropivacaine 20 μl and 60 μl. Mice in the control group was injected with 60 μl saline. 6 mice in three groups after administration of 12 h were killed. Serum inflammatory factor serum(TNF-α, IL-1β) were analyzed by ELISA. The mRNA expression level of pro-inflammatory cytokines and apoptosis related protein was analyzed RT-PCR and Western blot. The apoptosis of cerebral tissue staining was analyzed by TUNEL. Another 60 old newborn rats were randomly divided into control group, low-dose group and high-dose group(20 mices/group). After treatment for 29 days, the ability of learning and memory of mice was analyzed by Morris level maze test. Results Compared with the control group, TNF-α and IL-1β mRNA and protein levels in the brain tissue and serum of the low dose group and high dose group significantly increased(P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the levels of Bax and Caspase-3 in the low-dose group and high-dose group significantly increased, and the level of Bcl-2 significantly decreased(P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the apoptosis of brain tissue in the low dose group and the high dose group increased significantly(P<0.05). Compared with the low dose group, the level of apoptosis in the high dose group increased more significantly(P<0.05). Compared with the control group, in 29-32 d, low dose group and high dose group mice escape latency was prolonged at 31 d and 32 d, the high dose group escape latency was higher than the low dose group(P<0.05). Conclusion Ropivacaine can induce inflammation and apoptosis in the brain tissue of neonatal mice, thereby affecting the learning and memory ability of mice.