The involvement of the central cholinergic and endorphinergic systems in the nitrous oxide withdrawal syndrome in mice.

The nitrous oxide withdrawal syndrome in mice was used as an experimental model to examine some of the factors which may play a role in postanesthetic excitation. Predisposition to nitrous oxide withdrawal convulsions as judged by duration of susceptibility was decreased significantly after pretreatment with the cholinesterase inhibitors, physostigmine and galanthamine, or with the opiate receptor blocking agent naloxone. Results are discussed in relation to the central anticholinergic syndrome, endorphin release, and disturbances which follow nitrous oxide anesthesia in humans and animals.