Effects of enflurane and halothane on the microcirculation.
Experiments have been carried out on the microvessels of the mesocaecum of Wistar rats exposed to equipotent doses of either halothane or enflurane. Parameters for evaluating microcirculation included venular flow, capillary flow, vasomotricity of precapillary sphincters and response to norepinephrine. Venular and capillary flow underwent relatively small modifications in both groups, but sensitivity to norepinephrine was increased in the halothane-treated rats and decreased in the enflurane-treated group. Although these variations were of a limited degree, the reduced sensitivity to norepinephrine in the enflurane group may express a certain degree of protection against tissue ischemia.
D000769:Anesthesia, Inhalation; D000818:Animals; D002196:Capillaries / Q000187:drug effects; D004737:Enflurane / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006221:Halothane / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008297:Male; D008833:Microcirculation / Q000187:drug effects*; D051381:Rats; D014699:Venules / Q000187:drug effects
D004737:Enflurane; D006221:Halothane