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Effects of hypoxia and hyperoxia on the human standing potential

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Abstract

We report that the human standing potential, measured by the EOG, rises slowly when oxygen saturation is lowered to near 80% by breathing a controlled oxygen-nitrogen mixture. The standing potential falls abruptly by 20–30% of its amplitude when the oxygen saturation returns to 100%. These changes can be generated reproducibly, with minimal discomfort, under conditions that could be adopted for clinical use. Animal experimental studies by Linsenmeier and Steinberg suggest that this hypoxia-hyperoxia response may be a delayed response to potassium concentration changes in the subretinal space. Since there is no requirement for light and no involvement of the Müller cells, the hypoxia-hyperoxia response may be more specific for pigment epithelial pathology than the c-wave.

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Marmor, M.F., Donovan, W.J. & Gaba, D.M. Effects of hypoxia and hyperoxia on the human standing potential. Doc Ophthalmol 60, 347–352 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00158923

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00158923

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