[Relationship between blood zinc level and EEG changes under the influence of hyperpnea in normal subjects]

The red blood cell and serum zinc levels have been determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry on 27 human subjects in apparent good state of health, tested monthly for five months successively. The subjects who present a decreased frequency of the E.E.G. pattern during hyperventilation, also show a diminished red blood cell Zn level, by comparison with the other subjects. This phenomenon suggests a possible relationship between red blood cell zinc concentration and E.E.G. signs of cortical hyperexcitability. These findings are discussed in the light of the recent literature.