CAFFEINE ATTENUATES CNS OXYGEN-TOXICITY IN RATS

We tested the effect of caffeine, on hyperoxia-induced seizures. Thirt y-seven rats with chronic cortical electrodes were injected i.p. with caffeine (1.25, 2.5, and 10 mg/kg) or vehicle before exposure to 0.5 M Pa oxygen and 17 rats to oxygen with 5% CO2 at 0.5 MPa. EEG monitoring and spectral analysis of EEG activity were carried out. Caffeine sign ificantly prolonged the latent period to the onset of seizures (P < 0. 05 in ANOVA), in a dose-related manner. Our results suggest that caffe ine may be used in low doses for protection against hyperoxia-induced seizures.