Sponsor
Portland State University. Department of Psychology
First Advisor
Hugo Maynard
Date of Publication
1-1-1979
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (M.S.) in Psychology
Department
Psychology
Language
English
Subjects
Physiological psychology, Nitrous oxide -- Physiological effect, Consciousness
DOI
10.15760/etd.837
Physical Description
4, vi, 189 leaves: ill., diagrs. 28 cm.
Abstract
Psychological and physiological effects of nitrous oxide resemble those of eight other drug categories. Lipid solubility or hydrate microcrystal theories correlate behavioral measures with measurable parameters of the molecule N20. N20, a spindle poison, halts mitosis in metaphase, producing widespread physiological consequences. N20 affects the microtubules of the spindle in a number of specific ways. Microtubules are utilized in other parts of eukaryotic cells, in a wide variety of functions. In neurons, microtubules build and maintain dendritic sensory processes. Since microtubules are built of two dissimilar proteins, constantly assemble and disassemble, and maintain a more negative interior potential, they would be responsive to changes in summed post-synaptic dendritic potential. Microtubules respond to N20 with a loss of communication between subcellular components, and between cells. Chromosomes, proteins, and ATP are no longer transported efficiently. Such fundamental changes might explain nitrous oxide's effects in "potentiating" other drugs, and upon perception and memory.
Rights
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Persistent Identifier
http://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/4318
Recommended Citation
Orendurff, Dody Michelson, "Consciousness, neurons, and laughing gas" (1979). Dissertations and Theses. Paper 837.
https://doi.org/10.15760/etd.837
Comments
Portland State University. Dept. of Psychology.