N20 Research Papers

Nitrous Oxide (N20) Nitrous Oxide (N20), also known as laughing gas, is the only inorganic anesthetic gas in clinical use. Nitrous oxide was first prepared in 1773 by Joseph Priestley, an English clergyman and scientist, who ranks among the great pioneers of chemistry. Humphry Davy in 1798 performed brilliant investigations of several gases but focused much of his attention on nitrous oxide. Davy commented that nitrous oxide transiently relieved a severe headache, obliterated a minor headache, and briefly quenched an aggravating toothache. Davy's lasting nitrous oxide legacy was coining the phrase “laughing gas” to describe its unique property.

Essentially, N20 is colorless and odorless. N20 is as capable as oxygen of supporting combustion,
Even though N20 directly depresses myocardial contractility in vitro, arterial blood pressure, cardiac output, and heart rate are essentially unchanged or slightly elevated in vivo because of its stimulation of catecholamines. (Respiratory) N20 increases respiratory rate (tachypnea) and decreases tidal volume as a result of CNS stimulation and activation of pulmonary stretch receptors. The net effect is minimal change in minute ventilation and resting arterial CO2 levels. Hypoxic drive, the ventilatory response to arterial hypoxia that is mediated by peripheral chemoreceptors in the carotid bodies is depressed by even small amounts of N20. (Cerebral) by increasing CBF and cerebral blood blood volume, N20 produces a mild elevation of ICP. N20 also increases CMRO2. (Neuromuscular) N20 does not provide significant muscle relaxation compared to other inhalational agents. At high concentrations in hyperbaric chambers, N20 causes skeletal muscle rigidity. (Renal) N20 appears to decrease renal blood flow by increasing renal vascular resistance. Resulting, in a drop in GFR and urinary output. (Hepatic) hepatic blood flow falls during N20 use, but to a lesser extent than with other volatile