Effect of picrotoxin on organism's resistance to acute severe hypoxia

Abstract

Organism's resistance to acute severe hypoxia (3% O2) was studied after administration of GABAA receptor antagonist picrotoxin and adenosine receptor antagonist euphylline (aminophylline) and after neutralization of secondary hypocapnia by adding 7% CO2 to the hypoxic mixture. Administration of picrotoxin to anesthetized rats increased animal resistance to hypoxia. The resistance to hypoxia decreased after treatment with euphylline. Neutralization of secondary hypocapnia by adding 7% CO2 to the hypoxic mixture had no effect on animal lifespan. © Springer Science+Business Media, Inc. 2008.