Goals/Milestones: FY10 Goal – Instrument and test hyperbaric chamber

1. Biophysical analysis of the antagonistic relationship between inert gases and hyperbaric pressure in isolated hippocampal neurons Background: Severe N2 narcosis and high pressure nervous syndrome (HPNS) are limiting factors in diving operations. The mechanisms of severe N2 narcosis and high pressure nervous syndrome (HPNS) are largely unknown. This work effort will enable the examination of whole cell conductance and electrical signaling as a function of pressure. Work Effort Benefits: The current work effort will provide the basis for the development of pharmacological mitigation strategies for inert gas narcosis. In addition, this effort has the potential to serve as a drug screening platform under hyperbaric conditions. Paste graphics in this quad Objectives: Develop and test a new hyperbaric electrophysiology research station to characterize ionic currents in isolated mammalian neurons at high pressures (0-1000 FSW; 1-31 ATA). Deliverables:  Completed hyperbaric research station  Technical Report  Cellular model of N2 narcosis  Cellular model to study the effects of pressure  Final report Goals/Milestones: FY10 Goal – Instrument and test hyperbaric chamber  Install fluorescence microscope  Install ancillary equipment (e.g., chamber automation) System validation FY11 Goal – Develop cellular model of N2 narcosis Identify ion channels Characterize mechanisms (e.g., biophysics) Peer-reviewed journal article Principal Investigator: LT Colomb, NEDU, 850-230-3238 denis.colomb@navy.mil Noise Induced Hearing Loss Review