Halothane in tissue of rats following repeated subanesthetic exposures

Abstract

Halothane in tissues of the rat was measured as a function of time after 5 successive 3 h exposures to 670 ppm halothane. In epididymal and perirenal fat, halothane concentrations diminished rapidly from 310 ppm to 1-2 ppm in 24 h, with trace amounts detectable 5 days later. Brain and liver levels were reduced from 16 and 9 ppm to less than 1 ppm within 3 h. Blood halothane was reduced from 3 ppm to less than 0.5 ppm in the same time. [The question of halogenated hydrocarbon anesthetic exposure among anesthesiologists and other operating room personnel has been the subject of various studies.].