Anesthetics inhibit pressure-induced repetitive impulse generation.

Abstract

Repetitive and spontaneous impulse generation appears in nerve axons exposed to high pressure. This phenomenon is a possible basis for high-pressure nervous syndrome (HPNS) or pressure reversal of anesthesia, two examples of an antagonistic interaction between anesthetic drugs and high pressure. In the present study, the interactions between three classes of anesthetic drug (ethyl alcohol, the volatile inhalation agent halothane, and phenobarbital) and repetitive activity were explored. Ethyl alcohol (5% in solution) and halothane (1.3 and 3.4% in oxygen) inhibited pressure-induced repetitive activity. Phenobarbital at 0.25 mM in solution, the maximum concentration obtainable at low temperature, was partially effective. The three drugs produce an unconscious state that is "reversed" at hyperbaric pressure. Halothane and phenobarbital inhibit HPNS, but ethyl alcohol has not been tested for this property. The results thus support a relevance of repetitive activity to HPNS, to pressure reversal of anesthesia, or to both.

• Authors: J J Kendig, T M Schneider, E N Cohen
• Journal: Journal of applied physiology: respiratory, environmental and exercise physiology (J Appl Physiol Respir Environ Exerc Physiol) Vol. 45 Issue 5 Pg. 747-50 (Nov 1978) ISSN: 0161-7567 [Print] United States
• PMID: 730571 (Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S., Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.)

Chemical References

• Ethanol
• Halothane
• Phenobarbital

Topics

• Action Potentials (drug effects)
• Animals
• Astacoidea
• Atmospheric Pressure
• Axons (drug effects)
• Ethanol (pharmacology)
• Halothane (pharmacology)
• In Vitro Techniques
• Phenobarbital (pharmacology)