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Published on: November 25, 2014
Nitrous oxide increases serotonin release in the rat spinal cord
Kumiko Mukaida1, Tsutomu Shichino, Kazuhiko Fukuda
1Department of Anesthesia, Kyoto University Hospital, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan.
Journal of Anesthesia
|August 8, 2007
Summary
Nitrous oxide (N2O) activates the brain's pain-inhibiting pathways. This study shows N2O significantly increases serotonin release in the spinal cord, suggesting a role for the serotonergic system in pain relief.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
Background:
- The pain-relieving effects of nitrous oxide (N2O) are not fully understood.
- N2O is known to activate descending inhibitory systems, but its effect on the serotonergic pathway is unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of the serotonergic descending inhibitory system in the antinociceptive action of N2O.
Main Methods:
- Extracellular serotonin levels were measured in the rat spinal cord dorsal horn using in vivo microdialysis.
- Nitrous oxide was administered to rats to observe its effect on serotonin release.
Main Results:
- Nitrous oxide administration led to a significant increase in extracellular serotonin levels.
- Serotonin release increased to 213.01% +/- 24.87% of baseline within 20-40 minutes after N2O application.
Conclusions:
- The findings suggest that N2O activates the serotonergic descending pathway.
- This activation may contribute to the overall antinociceptive effects of nitrous oxide.
