Anesthetics inhibit pressure-induced repetitive impulse generation

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Abstract
Repetitive and spontaneous impulse generation appears in nerve [crayfish claw] axons exposed to high pressure. This phenomenon is a possible basis for high pressure nervous syndrome (HPNS) or pressure reversal of anesthesia, 2 examples of an antagonistic interaction between anesthetic drugs and high pressure. The interactions between 3 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 3 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 apparently support a relevance of repetitive activity to HPNS, to pressure reversal of anesthesia, or to both.

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