Epidemiologic data from human populations and animal studies indicate that chronic exposure to N20 may result in impaired reproductive function and decreased fertility rates. The mechanism by which N20 might elicit reproductive toxicity is unclear. N20 may interfere with reproductive function at the level of the hypothalamus, pituitary, or reproductive tract. Our previous studies indicate [...]

Viability Exposure to 60% N20 over a period of 24 hours did not affect viability of the GT1-7 cells (Figure 1A). The total protein content of the cells was also not significantly different between air-exposed and N20-exposed cells (Figure 1B). The effects of oxygen concentration (21% vs 35%) on cell viability and protein concentration over [...]

Culture of GT1-7 Cell Line GT1-7 cells (gift of Dr P.M. Mellon, University of California, San Diego) were maintained in DMEM-4.5 g/L glucose (Life Technologies, Inc, Rockville, MD) supplemented with 10% fetal calf serum, 100 units/mL generic penicillin, 100 mg/mL streptomycin, and 0.0025 mg/mL amphotericin В at 37°C in a humidified atmosphere of 5% C02, [...]

Since its first use in 1844, nitrous oxide (N20) has been considered one of the safest anesthetics and is still widely used in clinical practice. However, a number of studies have associated chronic exposure to N20 with certain adverse effects, such as leukopenia, embryo toxicity, and fetal death. Exposure to N20 in operating rooms appears [...]