Melatonin Does Not Provide Protection Against Hyperbaric Oxygen (HBO) Induced Seizures

摘要

Acute exposure to hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) can result in toxicity to the central nervous system (CNS). The most onerous manifestation of CNS oxygen toxicity is the onset of generalized tonic-clonic seizures. HBO-induced convulsions are of particular importance to the Navy, as it is a limiting factor in the duration of diving missions involving surface supplied oxygen and use of the LAR V and MK-15/16 closed-circuit SCUBA apparatus, and the application of HBO medical treatment for decompression sickness. The causal mechanism of HBO-induced seizures is presently unknown. Melatonin has not been tested in its capacity as an anti-convulsant in HBO conditions likely to produce seizures (6 atmospheres absolute). The goal of this research was to examine melatonin prophylaxis in HBO conditions that reliably produce CNS toxicity.