Tolerance to nitrous oxide in volunteers.

Nociception and loss of awareness during exposure to anaesthetic concentration of nitrous oxide (N2O) were studied in eight male medical students. The cold water nociception test, where a hand is immersed in 0 degree C stirred water, was used for measurement of nociception. At irregular intervals an auditory command was given to oppose two fingers, and this served to monitor consciousness. The selected inspiratory concentration of N2O used per individual was sufficient to induce a loss of consciousness for more than 2.5 min, within 10 min of exposure to N2O. This concentration of N2O varied from 60% to 80%. The experimental exposure to N2O lasted 3 h. In all volunteers significant antinociception was observed within 2 min of exposure to N2O. The maximal analgesic effect was observed between 20 and 30 min of exposure to N2O. The analgesic effect of N2O gradually decreased and was absent in all eight volunteers within 150 min. Two volunteers regained consciousness at 77 and 91 min of exposure, whilst still breathing 60 and 80% N2O. These results show that tolerance to antinociceptive effects of N2O in man rapidly develops and that awareness may occur in some volunteers during prolonged exposure to N2O.