Effect of Halothane on Oxygen Consumption of Rat Brain, Liver and Heart and Anaerobic Glycolysis of Rat Brain

Abstract

The O2 consumption of unstimulated and cation-stimulated rat brain slices was depressed significantly when exposed to 1% halothane. The O2 consumption of liver and heart slices was less sensitive, the first significant depression appearing after exposure to 2% halothane. Starting at a lower initial level, the rate of O2 consumption of brain, liver and heart slices exposed to 1 and 2% halothane appeared to plateau at a more constant level than the paired controls. Liver and heart slices exposed to the highest concentration of halothane showed augmented oxygen uptake after the removal of the halothane. In contrast brain slices exposed to 6% halothane showed a rapid decrease in O2 consumption continuing after removal of the halothane. Anerobic glycolysis of homogenates of rat brain was not affected by halothane in concentratio.is that have a marked effect on oxygen consumption in tissue slices.