Abstract
To explore the hypothesis that nitrous oxide stimulates the β-endorphin system in vivo, rats were exposed to nitrous oxide/oxygen at variable concentrations for one hour. β-Endorphin concentration at sites along the neuraxis functionally involved with analgesia was elevated in nitrous oxide-exposed animals. The increase in β-endorphin concentration was statistically significant at nitrous oxide concentrations of 60 and 80%. This elevation of β-endorphin levels depended on the concentration of nitrous oxide delivered rather than on the duration of exposure. With cessation of nitrous oxide anesthesia, β-endorphin concentration returned to control levels within 30 minutes.
Original language | English (US) |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 719-723 |
Number of pages | 5 |
Journal | Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery |
Volume | 44 |
Issue number | 9 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Sep 1986 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Surgery
- Oral Surgery
- Otorhinolaryngology