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PubMed2001

Low concentrations of halothane increase response to a noxious thermal stimulus and attenuate the antinociceptive effect of intraventricular but not intrathecal morphine.

BACKGROUND: Classically, the first plane of anesthesia is known as the stage of analgesia. Nonetheless, clinical evidence suggests that low doses of inhaled agents might enhance pain perception. The present experiments test the hypothesis that low concentrations of halothane increase response to a noxious thermal stimulus and attenuate the antinociceptive effect of intraventricular morphine via disruption of descending inhibition. METHODS: In the first experiment, the temperature at which rats withdraw their tails from a heat source was measured in animals breathing various concentrations of halothane. In the second experiment, the effect of intraventricular or intrathecal morphine on tail-flick latency was assessed in rats breathing either oxygen or 0.23% halothane. RESULTS: Low concentrations of halothane decreased the temperature threshold for tail-flick with a maximum effect at 0.06% atmospheres. Halothane attenuated the antinociceptive potency of intraventricular morphine but enhanced the efficacy of intrathecal morphine. CONCLUSIONS: Subanesthetic concentrations of halothane may enhance response to a noxious stimulus. The differential effect on intraventricular and intrathecal morphine suggests that this enhancement results from disruption of descending inhibition.

Analgesics, Opioid↗
PubMed2001

Effects of the anesthetic gases xenon, halothane, and isoflurane on calcium and potassium currents in human atrial cardiomyocytes.

BACKGROUND: Negative inotropic and proarrhythmic side effects on the heart are well known for the volatile anesthetics halothane and isoflurane but not for the noble gas xenon. We investigated the effects of halothane, isoflurane, and xenon on calcium and potassium currents in human atrial myocytes to elucidate the cellular and molecular basis of their cardiac actions. METHODS: Atrial myocytes were prepared from the right auricles obtained from patients undergoing heart surgery. Ion currents were measured with the whole cell patch clamp technique during superfusion of the cells with solutions that contained halothane, isoflurane, or xenon at concentrations corresponding to their respective minimum alveolar concentration (MAC); gas concentrations were determined with the head space-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry/selected ion monitoring method. RESULTS: L-type calcium currents were significantly depressed by 31.9 +/- 4.1%, from -1.8 +/- 0.3 to -1.2 +/- 0.4 picoampere (pA)/picofarad (pF) (n = 4; P < 0.05) at 1 MAC halothane and by 21.7 +/- 9.2%, from -1.6 +/- 0.7 to -1.2 +/- 0.6 pA/pF (n = 7; P < 0.05) at 1 MAC isoflurane, but not affected by 70% xenon (1 MAC). Inwardly rectifying potassium currents were not influenced by any anesthetic. Halothane (1 MAC) significantly inhibited the transient as well as the sustained part of voltage-gated potassium outward currents, by 19.4 +/- 6.7%, from 6.7 +/- 2.1 to 5.4 +/- 1.6 pA/pF (n = 8; P < 0.05), and by 8.6 +/- 4.8%, from 5.5 +/- 1.7 to 5.0 +/- 1.5 pA/pF (n = 8; P < 0.05), respectively. Transient K+ outward currents were even more inhibited, by 25.8 +/- 4.8%, from 9.8 +/- 3.1 to 7.3 +/- 2.1 pA/pF (n = 5; P < 0.05) at 1 MAC isoflurane, whereas xenon evoked only a slight (albeit significant) inhibition, by 6.1 +/- 3.7%, from 8.2 +/- 6.0 to 7.7 +/- 5.8 pA/pF (n = 10; P < 0.05). Isoflurane and xenon did not affect sustained potassium currents. All effects of the anesthetics were fully reversible after washout. CONCLUSIONS: Halothane and isoflurane exhibited considerable inhibitory effects on voltage-gated cardiac Ca2+ and K+ currents important for the duration of action potentials and the repolarization. Xenon, in contrast, did not affect Ca2+ currents and only slightly inhibited transient K+ outward currents, in line with the almost absent cardiac side effects of the noble gas.

Aged↗
PubMed2002

Halothane suppression of spinal sensory neuronal responses to noxious peripheral stimuli is mediated, in part, by both GABA(A) and glycine receptor systems.

BACKGROUND: A major effect of general anesthesia is lack of response in the presence of a noxious stimulus. Anesthetic depression of spinal sensory neuronal responses to noxious stimuli is likely to contribute to that essential general anesthetic action. The authors tested the hypothesis that gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor type A (GABA(A)) and strychnine-sensitive glycine receptor systems mediate halothane depression of spinal sensory neuronal responses to noxious stimuli. METHODS: Extracellular activity of single spinal dorsal horn wide dynamic range (WDR) neurons was recorded in decerebrate, spinal cord transected rats. Neuronal responses to noxious (thermal and mechanical) and nonnoxious stimuli were examined in the drug-free state. Subsequently, cumulative doses (0.1-2.0 mg/kg) of bicuculline (GABA(A) antagonist) or strychnine (glycine antagonist) were administered intravenously in the absence or presence of 1 minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) of halothane. RESULTS: Halothane, 1.1%, depressed the response of WDR neurons to both forms of noxious stimuli. Antagonists, by themselves, had no effect on noxiously evoked activity. However, bicuculline and strychnine (maximum cumulative dose, 2.0 mg/kg) partially but significantly reversed the halothane depression of noxiously evoked activity. Similar results were seen with most, but not all, forms of nonnoxiously evoked activity. In the absence of halothane, strychnine significantly increased neuronal responses to low threshold receptive field brushing. CONCLUSION: Halothane depression of spinal WDR neuronal responses to noxious and most nonnoxious stimuli is mediated, in part, by GABA(A) and strychnine-sensitive glycine systems. A spinal source of glycine tonically inhibits some forms of low threshold input to WDR neurons.

Anesthetics, Inhalation↗
PubMed2003

Halothane depresses glutamatergic neurotransmission to brain stem inspiratory premotor neurons in a decerebrate dog model.

BACKGROUND: Inspiratory bulbospinal neurons in the caudal ventral medulla are premotor neurons that drive phrenic motoneurons and ultimately the diaphragm. Excitatory drive to these neurons is mediated by N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors and alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionate (AMPA) receptors and modulated by an inhibitory gamma-aminobutyric acid(A) (GABA(A))ergic input. The authors investigated the effect of halothane on these synaptic mechanisms in decerebrate dogs. METHODS: Studies were performed in decerebrate, vagotomized, paralyzed, and mechanically ventilated dogs during hypercapnic hyperoxia. The effect of 1 minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) halothane on extracellularly recorded neuronal activity was measured during localized picoejection of the GABA(A) receptor blocker bicuculline and the glutamate agonists AMPA and NMDA. Complete blockade of the GABA(A)ergic mechanism by bicuculline allowed differentiation between the effects of halothane on overall GABA(A)ergic inhibition and on overall glutamatergic excitation. The neuronal responses to exogenous AMPA and NMDA were used to estimate the anesthetic effect on postsynaptic glutamatergic neurotransmission. RESULTS: Halothane, 1 MAC, depressed the spontaneous activity of 21 inspiratory neurons by 20.6 +/- 18.0% (mean +/- SD; P = 0.012). Overall glutamatergic excitation was depressed 15.4 +/- 20.2% (P = 0.001), while overall GABA(A)ergic inhibition did not change. The postsynaptic responses to exogenous AMPA and NMDA were also depressed by 18.6 +/- 35.7% (P = 0.03) and 22.2 +/- 26.2% (P = 0.004), respectively. CONCLUSION: Halothane, 1 MAC, depressed the activity of inspiratory premotor neurons by a reduction of glutamatergic excitation. Overall inhibitory drive did not change. The postsynaptic AMPA and NMDA receptor response was significantly reduced. These findings contrast with studies in expiratory premotor neurons in which overall inhibition was significantly increased by halothane and there was no reduction in the postsynaptic glutamate receptor response.

Anesthetics, Inhalation↗
PubMed2004

Temperature-independent Inhibition of L-type calcium currents by halothane and sevoflurane in human atrial cardiomyocytes.

BACKGROUND: Cardiac L-type calcium currents (ICa,L) are affected by volatile anesthetics, possibly contributing to their side effects. Actions of anesthetics on ion channels are usually studied in vitro at room temperature. However, the solubility of anesthetic gases as well as ICa,L are markedly sensitive to the study temperature. Therefore, temperature-dependent effects of halothane and sevoflurane on cardiac ICa,L were analyzed. METHODS: ICa,L were studied at 21 degrees C and 36 degrees C with the patch clamp technique in isolated human atrial cardiomyocytes. Concentrations of anesthetics brought into solution by gassing at both temperatures were determined with gas chromatography. RESULTS: The aqueous concentrations of halothane and sevoflurane were linearly related to their concentration in the gas phase (1 to 3 minimum alveolar concentration [MAC]). At 21 degrees C, the slope of this relation was 0.52 and 0.12 mm/vol % for halothane and sevoflurane, respectively, and decreased at 36 degrees C to 0.29 and 0.09 mm/vol %, respectively. ICa,L displayed significantly higher current amplitudes at 36 degrees C than at 21 degrees C and significantly accelerated time-dependent inactivation. Halothane (1-2 MAC) and sevoflurane (1-3 MAC) evoked stronger inhibitions of ICa,L at 21 degrees C than at 36 degrees C. In spite of different temperature-dependent current amplitudes, the fractional (percent) inhibition of ICa,L showed the same linear relationship to the concentrations of halothane and sevoflurane in the bath medium at both temperatures, as revealed from present and previous experiments. CONCLUSIONS: Inhibition of ICa,L by halothane and sevoflurane is determined by the aqueous concentration of the anesthetics, independently of the temperature. Increased solubility may explain the stronger effects of the anesthetics at lower temperatures.

Algorithms↗
PubMed2005

Effects of halothane and isoflurane on hyperexcitability of spinal dorsal horn neurons after incision in the rat.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to determine whether halothane and isoflurane used during and after surgical injury attenuate subsequent hyperexcitability of spinal dorsal horn (SDH) neurons by preventing development of central sensitization. METHODS: Activity of a wide-dynamic-range neuron of the SDH was isolated in decerebrate-spinal Sprague-Dawley rats, and neuronal activity (receptive field size and responses to nonnoxious and noxious stimuli) was recorded. A 1-cm-long incision was made through the skin, fascia, and muscle under anesthesia with halothane (1.1% or 2.2%) and isoflurane (1.4% or 2.8%). Anesthesia was discontinued just after the incision had been made or was continued until 30 min after the incision, and activity of the SDH neurons was measured for up to 2 h after the incision. In a control group, the incision was made without anesthesia. RESULTS: In the control group, the incision resulted in maximum excitation in the SDH neurons during surgery; spontaneous activity significantly increased for up to 30 min after the incision (P < 0.05) but did not significantly increase thereafter, returning to the preincision value. Halothane and isoflurane suppressed excitation of the neurons during the incision in a concentration-related manner. Administration of 2.2% halothane and 2.8% isoflurane during the incision and for up to 30 min after the incision almost abolished activity of the neurons for 30 min after the incision. The magnitude of neuronal activity 2 h after the incision was not significantly different among all groups, including the control group. CONCLUSIONS: The results demonstrate that administration of halothane and isoflurane does not attenuate development of hyperexcitability of SDH neurons despite the fact that excitation and spontaneous activity during and after the incision were greatly suppressed by administration of halothane and isoflurane.

Anesthetics, Inhalation↗
PubMed2005

Halothane inhibition of recombinant cardiac L-type Ca2+ channels expressed in HEK-293 cells.

BACKGROUND: Volatile anesthetics depress cardiac contractility, which involves inhibition of cardiac L-type calcium channels. To explore the role of voltage-dependent inactivation, the authors analyzed halothane effects on recombinant cardiac L-type calcium channels (alpha1Cbeta2a and alpha1Cbeta2aalpha2/delta1), which differ by the alpha2/delta1 subunit and consequently voltage-dependent inactivation. METHODS: HEK-293 cells were transiently cotransfected with complementary DNAs encoding alpha1C tagged with green fluorescent protein and beta2a, with and without alpha2/delta1. Halothane effects on macroscopic barium currents were recorded using patch clamp methodology from cells expressing alpha1Cbeta2a and alpha1Cbeta2aalpha2/delta1 as identified by fluorescence microscopy. RESULTS: Halothane inhibited peak current (I(peak)) and enhanced apparent inactivation (reported by end pulse current amplitude of 300-ms depolarizations [I300]) in a concentration-dependent manner in both channel types. alpha2/delta1 coexpression shifted relations leftward as reported by the 50% inhibitory concentration of I(peak) and I300/I(peak)for alpha1Cbeta2a (1.8 and 14.5 mm, respectively) and alpha1Cbeta2aalpha2/delta1 (0.74 and 1.36 mm, respectively). Halothane reduced transmembrane charge transfer primarily through I(peak) depression and not by enhancement of macroscopic inactivation for both channels. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that phenotypic features arising from alpha2/delta1 coexpression play a key role in halothane inhibition of cardiac L-type calcium channels. These features included marked effects on I(peak) inhibition, which is the principal determinant of charge transfer reductions. I(peak) depression arises primarily from transitions to nonactivatable states at resting membrane potentials. The findings point to the importance of halothane interactions with states present at resting membrane potential and discount the role of inactivation apparent in current time courses in determining transmembrane charge transfer.

Algorithms↗
PubMed2006

Antagonistic actions of halothane and sevoflurane on spontaneous Ca2+ release in rat ventricular myocytes.

BACKGROUND: Halothane has been reported to sensitize Ca(2+) release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR), which is thought to contribute to its initial positive inotropic effect. However, little is known about whether isoflurane or sevoflurane affect the SR Ca(2+) release process, which may contribute to the inotropic profile of these anesthetics. METHODS: Mild Ca(2+) overload was induced in isolated rat ventricular myocytes by increase of extracellular Ca(2+) to 2 mM. The resultant Ca(2+) transients due to spontaneous Ca(2+) release from the SR were detected optically (fura-2). Cells were exposed to 0.6 mM anesthetic for a period of 4 min, and the frequency and amplitude of spontaneous Ca(2+) transients were measured. RESULTS: Halothane caused a temporary threefold increase in frequency and decreased the amplitude (to 54% of control) of spontaneous Ca(2+) transients. Removal of halothane inhibited spontaneous Ca release before it returned to control. In contrast, sevoflurane initially inhibited frequency of Ca(2+) release (to 10% of control), whereas its removal induced a burst of spontaneous Ca(2+) release. Isoflurane had no significant effect on either frequency or amplitude of spontaneous Ca(2+) release on application or removal. Sevoflurane was able to ameliorate the effects of halothane on the frequency and amplitude of spontaneous Ca(2+) release both on application and wash-off. CONCLUSIONS: Application of halothane and removal of sevoflurane sensitize the SR Ca(2+) release process (and vice versa on removal). Sevoflurane reversed the effects of halothane, suggesting they may act at the same subcellular target on the SR.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Effect of halothane on the release of [Ca2+]i in dorsal root ganglion neurons.

We investigated the effect of the volatile anaesthetic halothane on [Ca2+]i of dorsal root ganglion neurons. Halothane was able to increase [Ca2+]i in those neurons in a dose-dependent manner and independent of extracellular calcium. However, halothane action was inhibited by BAPTA-AM, suggesting the involvement of intracellular calcium stores. Dantrolene, an inhibitor of ryanodine-sensitive calcium stores had no effect while 2-APB, an inhibitor of IP3-sensitive calcium store reduced by 78% the halothane-evoked increase on [Ca2+]i. These data suggests that halothane increased [Ca2+]i of ganglion neurons through calcium release from IP3-sensitive calcium store. One possible consequence of the halothane action is to alter presynaptic activity and signaling pathways that influence neurotransmission.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

Reduction of infarct volume by halothane: effect on cerebral blood flow or perifocal spreading depression-like depolarizations.

Halothane is a strong inhibitor of potassium evoked spreading depression (SD) in cats. In the current study, we investigate halothane effects on induction of perifocal SD-like depolarizations, CBF, and infarct evolution in focal ischemia. Calomel and platinum electrodes measured cortical direct current potential and CBF in ectosylvian, suprasylvian, and marginal gyri. Left middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) induced permanent focal ischemia for 16 hours in artificially ventilated cats (30% oxygen, 70% nitrous oxide) under halothane (0.75%, n = 8) or alpha-chloralose anesthesia (60 mg/kg intravenously, n = 7). Under alpha-chloralose, MCAO induced severe ischemia in ectosylvian and suprasylvian gyri(mean CBF < 10 mL/100 g/min), and direct current potentials turned immediately into terminal depolarization. In marginal gyri, CBF reduction was mild (more than 20 mL/100 g/min), and in six of seven animals, frequent SD-like depolarizations turned into terminal depolarization at a later stage of the experiments. Under halothane, MCAO induced severe ischemia (less than 10 mL/100 g/min) and immediate terminal depolarization only in ectosylvian gyrus. In suprasylvian gyrus, residual CBF remained significantly higher (more than 10 mL/100 g/min) than under alpha-chloralose, whereas in marginal gyri, CBF did not differ between groups. Compared with chloralose, the number of transient depolarizations was significantly reduced in marginal gyrus, and in suprasylvian gyrus transient but significantly longer depolarizations than in marginal gyrus were recorded. Except for one animal, transient depolarizations did not turn into terminal depolarization under halothane, and infarct volume reduction was particularly seen in suprasylvian gyrus. We conclude that halothane, the most commonly used anesthetic in studies of experimental brain ischemia, has protective properties, which may depend on both cerebrovascular and electrophysiologic influences.

Anesthetics, Inhalation↗
PubMed1992

Mechanism of halothane attenuation of isometric tension induced by serotonin in isolated canine coronary artery rings.

We explored the mechanism of halothane's interaction with the serotoninergic contractile response of isolated canine coronary artery rings. The serotoninergic contractile response of both intact and denuded rings was measured with and without halothane. In some experiments, rings were pretreated with methiothepin, a 5-HT1 and 5-HT2 antagonist, or ketanserin, a 5-HT2 antagonist. The contractile responses to 5-carboxamidotryptamine (5-CT) and alpha-methylserotonin, a 5-HT1 and a 5-HT2 receptor agonist, respectively, were measured with and without halothane. Finally, the response to prostaglandin F2-alpha, another spasm mediator, was also measured with and without halothane. Halothane attenuated the coronary artery response to serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT), and specific 5-HT1 and 5-HT2 agonists, and prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha). Its inhibitory effect on the serotoninergic response was abolished in vessels pretreated with either 5-HT1 or 5-HT2 blockers. These data suggest that halothane is not a direct smooth muscle depressant, that it is not a specific 5-HT1- or 5-HT2-subtype antagonist in canine coronary arteries, and that it might interfere with intracellular pathways activated by agonist-receptor interactions.

Animals↗
PubMed1976

Clinical comparison of isoflurance and halothane anesthetics.

Isoflurane and halothane were compared in two similar groups of 100 patients each. Isoflurane compared favorably with halothane in producing adequate anesthesia in all our patients. Induction period was a little stormy when there was direct induction with isoflurane. Maintenance was excellent and recovery was good. Mean concentration necessary to induce anesthesia was 3.07% with isoflurane and 2.56% with halothane. Mean maintenance with isoflurane was 1.39%, compared to 1.40% with halothane. Less curare was required for relaxation when used with isoflurane than with halothane. This difference was not seen with pancuronium (Pavulon). Patient recovery was faster with isoflurane than with halothane. Incidence of delirium and shivering in the recovery period was similar for both agents. Incidence of nausea and vomiting was greater with isoflurane. Other clinical and biochemical postoperative comparisons did not show any significant differences between the two agents.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1988

Postoperative ketamine analgesia in children: efficacy and safety after halothane anesthesia.

This study was done to investigate the effectiveness and safety of ketamine analgesia after halothane anesthesia for surgery in children. After completion of a surgical procedure, ten children had ketamine (1 mg/kg) injected intravenously during maintenance of anesthesia with 1% halothane in a 60:40 nitrous oxide-oxygen mixture. Cardiovascular parameters measured with noninvasive oscillometry and transthoracic impedance plethysmography remained unchanged after administration of ketamine. Excellent analgesia and a calm anesthetic recovery were produced, without detectable cardiovascular depression. When ketamine and halothane are administered in combination, careful restriction of dosages of these agents is recommended. Interaction of higher doses of ketamine and halothane has been reported to produce hypotension and bradycardia, which can be avoided with use of subdissociative, analgesic doses of ketamine during light halothane maintenance before emergence. After halothane anesthesia in healthy children, ketamine may be considered a suitable alternative to narcotics for postoperative analgesia.

Anesthesia↗
PubMed2004

Comparative analysis of in vitro contracture tests with ryanodine and a combination of ryanodine with either halothane or caffeine: a comparative investigation in malignant hyperthermia.

BACKGROUND: The diagnosis of susceptibility to malignant hyperthermia (MH) is currently performed on muscle biopsies subjected to halothane-caffeine in vitro contracture tests (IVCTs). There is a consensus on our need to improve the diagnostic potential of IVCTs if we are to maximize the information available for research and diagnosis in MH. This study was designed as a pilot comparative study and we aimed at comparing the ryanodine test and new tests using a combination of ryanodine, halothane and caffeine. METHODS: One hundred and thirty-two subjects (52 MHS and 80 MHN) were included in this study and new IVCTs were performed in additional muscle biopsy specimens. The contracture time-course was compared considering the onset time of contracture (OT) and the time to reach a 10 mN contracture (10T). Cut-off values were determined using ROC analyses. RESULTS: For the ryanodine test, sensitivity and specificity calculated for OT were 84.6% and 90.4%, respectively, and were better than those obtained using 10T. Combined tests using either caffeine and ryanodine or halothane and ryanodine did provide higher sensitivities (from 85.3 to 93.9%). A better specificity was only observed for the IVC tests combining halothane (cumulated) and caffeine both with ryanodine (93.9% for both). The largest sensitivity was observed when halothane was used as a bolus and combined with ryanodine. The specificity was always larger with the combined tests as compared to the test using ryanodine alone (from 79.1 to 90.9%). This superiority was confirmed, at least in part, when comparing genetic investigations and the results of new tests in a subgroup of subjects. CONCLUSIONS: This pilot study showed a clear diagnostic potential for new IVC tests combining halothane, the triggering agent of MH, and ryanodine acting at the calcium release channel, and should be considered as a first step in the investigation of combined tests.

Anesthetics, Inhalation↗
PubMed1978

Circulatory effects of labetalol during halothane anaesthesia.

Labetalol is a drug possessing both alpha and beta adrenergic receptor blocking properties. Its possible use in induced hypotension during halothane anaesthesia has been investigated. It causes a satisfactory decrease in arterial pressure unaccompanied by tachycardia. The circulatory effects of the drug during halothane anaesthesia, both with spontaneous and controlled respiration, have been measured and compared with those of halothane alone. In patients anaesthetised with 1% halothane, labetalol, with both spontaneous and controlled ventilation, was associated with a reduction in MAP from 71.5 mmHg to 54.0 mmHg (P less than 0.001) and 66.8 mmHg to 50.4 mmHg (P less than 0.001) respectively. This reduction was associated with decreases in Qt of 18% and 12% respectively. In the presence of labetalol, with 3% halothane and spontaneous respiration, the depressant effects of the anaesthetic on the heart became rapidly apparent: Qt was reduced by a further 28%. In patients not receiving labetalol, the depressant effects of 3% halothane were frequently countered by the positive inotropic effects of hypercarbia.

Adult↗
PubMed1985

Induction and recovery characteristics of isoflurane and halothane anaesthesia for short outpatient operations in children.

Induction and recovery characteristics of isoflurane anaesthesia were compared with halothane anaesthesia during outpatient myringotomy and placement of Sheely ventilation tubes in 101 unpremedicated children. Compared with halothane, isoflurane resulted in prolonged induction times and inferior induction scores due to increased salivation, coughing, breathholding and laryngospasm. However, when modified by halothane induction, isoflurane anaesthesia decreased induction time and improved induction scores. Induction with thiamylal 4 mg/kg did not improve induction scores significantly. Recovery times from halothane plus isoflurane and pure isoflurane anaesthesia were quicker than pure halothane and thiamylal plus isoflurane, although this was not statistically significant. Compared to halothane, anaesthetic induction using isoflurane is associated with an increased incidence of respiratory problems in unpremedicated children.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1985

Nitrous oxide solubility in halothane and its effect on the output of vaporizers.

The absorption of nitrous oxide in halothane was studied by bubbling nitrous oxide and nitrous oxide/oxygen gas mixtures through a halothane bottle, using 100% oxygen as a control. The gas volume emerging from the halothane bottle was measured each minute, over a period of up to 15 minutes. When oxygen was used as a control gas, the averaged flow rate dropped slightly over the experimental period, due to the cooling of the halothane. However, in the presence of nitrous oxide, the initial flow rate of the gas emerging from the halothane bottle was greatly diminished, but then accelerated rapidly to reach that obtained with oxygen. The results suggested that nitrous oxide dissolved in large quantities in halothane, and the data are consistent with an Ostwald coefficient in excess of 4.0.

Absorption↗
PubMed1996

A comparison of the recovery characteristics of sevoflurane and halothane in children.

The recovery characteristics of sevoflurane and halothane anaesthesia were compared in 40 children aged 6 months to 6 years undergoing day case surgery. The mean time taken to open eyes after surgery had ended was appreciably and significantly shorter after sevoflurane than after halothane (sevoflurane, mean time (SD) 7 min 52 s (5 min 46 s), halothane, mean time (SD) 15 min 50 s (9 min 2 s), t = 3.32, p = 0.002). The time taken to be ready for discharge from the recovery unit to the ward was also significantly shorter after sevoflurane than after halothane (sevoflurane, mean time (SD) 12 min 46 s (4 min 11 s), halothane, mean time (SD) 19 min 13 s (9 min 48 s), t = 2.7, p < 0.01). However, more children were in pain and given analgesia after sevoflurane (p < 0.01) and the mean time to reach the criteria for discharge home was similar in both groups (sevoflurane, mean time (SD) 2 h 9 min (17 min), halothane, mean time (SD) 2 h 4 min (8 min)). There were no major complications in either group.

Ambulatory Surgical Procedures↗