Time, rate, and temperature factors in the onset of high-pressure convulsions.

An interrupted compression profile technique was used to develop data to separate the effects of time and pressure factors governing increase of high-pressure neurological syndrome (HPNS) convulsion threshold pressures (the compression rate effect) during different compression profiles. A single differential equation fits all data available to date for compression rate effect on convulsion thresholds of CD-1 mice (three distinct types of compression profile; mean compression rates 12-1,000 atm/h). The process leading to increase in HPNS convulsion pressure is initiated at the very beginning of compression, proceeds at increasingly rapid rates as higher pressures are attained, and approaches a limiting upper convulsion pressure. The convulsion threshold pressure in any given experiment is independent of the compression rate prevailing during the time immediately preceding onset of the seizure. The magnitude of the compression rate effect in the CD-1 mouse is independent of chamber temperature over a range of 27-36 degrees C, and rectal temperatures of 29.2-37.5 degrees C. The bearing of these results on the design of optimal compression schedules and on the analysis of the neurological mechanisms underlying the HPNS is discussed.