Carbon monoxide and flash evoked potentials from rat cortex and superior colliculus.
In view of the conflict between qualitative reports that flash evoked potentials from superior colliculus (SC) and visual cortex (VC) of rats are uniquely sensitive to low levels of carbon monoxide (CO), and a more quantitative report that the visual cortex evoked potential is not sensitive to low levels of CO, the present report documents the effects of different concentrations of CO upon flash evoked potentials from these areas. The amplitude of the P3-N4 component from the SC evoked potential demonstrated the best dose/effect relationship, increasing up to levels of 38% carboxyhemoglobin (COHb). Latencies were affected only when COHb levels reached 55%. The use of the visual system to determine effects of toxic agents upon the central nervous system in discussed.
D000818:Animals; D002248:Carbon Monoxide / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002263:Carboxyhemoglobin / Q000378:metabolism; D002540:Cerebral Cortex / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology*; D004567:Electrodes, Implanted; D005071:Evoked Potentials / Q000187:drug effects; D008297:Male; D010775:Photic Stimulation; D051381:Rats; D013477:Superior Colliculi / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D013997:Time Factors
D002248:Carbon Monoxide; D002263:Carboxyhemoglobin