Nitrous Oxide Inhibition of Sodium Transport

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Abstract
Sacs made of inverted frog skin were filled with an electrolyte solution and exposed in a pressure chamber to nitrogen or nitrous oxide with a small concentration of oxygen. Changes in sodium ion concentration were measured after 20 to 22 hr. With increasing concentrations of nitrous oxide in the range of 100 to 200 psig inhibition of Na transport increased. Inhibition of Na transport was shown not to be due to pressure per se since 175 psig. nitrogen did not result in inhibition. Inhibition of Na transport paralleled previous reports of nitrous oxide depression of nerve excitability.