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REVIEW

HIGHLIGHTED TOPIC
The Physiology and Pathophysiology of the Hyperbaric and Diving Environments

Effects of hyperbaric gases on membrane nanostructure and function in neurons

¹Hyperbaric Biomedical Research Laboratory, Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa; and ² Hyperbaric Electrophysiology Laboratory, Biomedical Department, Navy Experimental Diving Unit, Panama City, Florida

Submitted 8 August 2008 ; accepted in final form 18 September 2008

ABSTRACT

This mini-review summarizes current ideas of how hyperbaric gases (>1–10 atmospheres absolute) affect neuronal mechanisms of excitability through molecular interaction with membrane components. The dynamic nature of the lipid bilayer, its resident proteins, and the underlying cytoskeleton make each respective nanostructure a potential target for modulation by hyperbaric gases. Depending on the composition of the gas mixture, the relative concentrations of O₂ and inert gas, and total barometric pressure, the net effect of a particular gas on the cell membrane will be determined by the gas' 1) lipid solubility, 2) ability to oxidize lipids and proteins (O₂), and 3) capacity, in the compressed state, to generate localized shear and strain forces between various nanostructures. A change in the properties of any one membrane component is anticipated to change conductance of membrane-spanning ion channels and thus neuronal function.

anesthesia; barosensitivity; free radicals; inert gas narcosis; nitrogen narcosis; oxidative stress; oxygen toxicity

This article has been cited by other articles:

				D. R. Pendergast and C. E. G. Lundgren The physiology and pathophysiology of the hyperbaric and diving environments J Appl Physiol, January 1, 2009; 106(1): 274 - 275. [Full Text] [PDF]