Effect of Hyperventilation on Oxygenation of the Brain Cortex of Neonates

It is well known that even brief periods of hypoxia lead to serious disruption of neural function. Neuronal properties are modified within seconds of the onset of anoxia and within 2.5-3 minutes anoxic depolarization begins (see for example Silver, 1977a,b), characterized by massive loss of K+ and diffusion of C1- into the cells. If reoxygenation occurs within a few minutes the cellular events and integrated neural function recovers, but as the period of oxygen deprivation is extended there is progressive irreversible loss of function.