Effect of xenon on diaphragmatic contractility in dogs.
OBJECTIVE
This study was undertaken to examine the effect of xenon on diaphragmatic contractility in pentobarbitone- anesthetized, mechanically ventilated dogs.


METHODS
Twenty-one dogs were randomly allocated to three groups (n=7 of each): Group I received oxygen 100%; Group II received xenon 30% in oxygen; Group III received xenon 60% in oxygen. Diaphragmatic contractility was assessed by measuring transdiaphragmatic pressure (Pdi) generated during supramaximal stimulation of phrenic nerves at the neck at low-frequency (20-Hz) and high-frequency (100-Hz) stimulation, after maintaining 60 min of stable condition.


RESULTS
With inhalation of xenon at two different concentration (30% and 60%), no changes were observed in Pdi at either concentration. There was no difference in Pdi among the three groups.


CONCLUSIONS
Increasing the concentration of xenon to 60% has no effect on diaphragmatic contractility in dogs. This suggests that xenon may be used safely as an anesthetic with respect to respiratory muscle function.
Hoshi
T
T
Department of Anesthesiology, University of Tsukuba Institute of Clinical Medicine, Tsukuba City, Ibaraki, Japan.
Fujii
Y
Y
Takahashi
S
S
Toyooka
H
H
D018685:Anesthetics, Inhalation / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000818:Animals; D003964:Diaphragm / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D004285:Dogs; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D009119:Muscle Contraction / Q000187:drug effects*; D009469:Neuromuscular Junction / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D014978:Xenon / Q000494:pharmacology*
D018685:Anesthetics, Inhalation; D014978:Xenon