Nitrous oxide decreases motility of human neutrophils in vitro.

The effect of 80 per cent nitrous oxide on motility of human neutrophils obtained from six volunteers was studied in vitro. In every case, random migration through the pores of 3 micrometer-millipore filter paper, was reduced (mean value 16 per cent). Chemotaxis toward casein also was reduced in every case (mean value 22 per cent). These results contrast with a previous study in which mean rates of migration were found to increase following exposure to 2 per cent halothane.