Rebound electroencephalographic responses to nitrous oxide exposure in
men: A randomized controlled clinical trial
Abstract
Abstract Objective Nitrous oxide (N2O) may elicit antidepressant effects
after its elimination from the brain. We sought to investigate whether
N2O trigger slow-wave oscillations in electroencephalogram (EEG) after
it´s administration, as we have recently seen in animal studies. Methods
Twenty healthy male participants were randomly allocated to receive 50%
N2O either continuously for 20 minutes (continuous group) or in two
10-minute inhalations (repeated group) with EEG recording. The
subjective effects of N2O were studied with questionnaires. Results
Fourteen participants completed the study (N=7/group). Overall
group-level responses to N2O on EEG were variable, and no difference in
delta-theta range was observed. A rebound increase in slow wave bands
was seen in spectrograms (Fp2 electrode) in a few participants, more
markedly after the second 10-minute exposure to N2O. Gamma oscillations
enhanced during N2O administration along with reductions in alpha and
low beta band activity. Conclusions Short exposure to N2O elicited
slow-wave EEG oscillations during rebound phase only in small subset of
participants. Significance This study reveals high individual
variability in EEG responses to short exposure of 50% N2O. Hence, the
ability of N2O to trigger rebound slow-wave EEG activity may require
tailored dosing regimen for each individual.