Multiple Halothane Exposure and Hepatic Bromsulphthalein Clearance

Abstract

Multiple exposures to halothane have been shown to have delayed effects on bromsulphthalein (B.S.P.) clearance. Rats were exposed to repeated halothane anaesthetics, and their livers were subsequently isolated and perfused. B.S.P. retention in the perfusate of these isolated livers was greatly increased one to three weeks after the last halothane exposure. In similarly pretreated animals at the same time period the B.S.P.-glutathione conjugating enzyme activity in homogenates of the livers was found to be depressed. These findings did not occur after multiple diethyl ether exposures or following a single exposure to halothane.

Effects of Phenobarbital Pretreatment on the Response of Rat Liver to Halothane Administration

“…Thus far, in experimental animals, such catastrophic effects upon the liver have not been produced, even by repeated or sustained exposure to the anesthetic (10)(11)(12)(13). In general, hepatic necrosis has not been a feature of halothane toxicity in the experimental animal (10)(11)(12)(13) ; however, more subtle changes, perhaps indicative of liver injury, have been observed in both man and experimental animals, Thus, halothane administration has been associated with abnormal hepatic lipid accumulation ( 11-1 5 ) , structural and functional alterations of liver mitochondria (3,15,16), reduced bromsulphthalein clearance (8,17), elevations of certain plasma enzymes (8,18) , and depression of hepatocellular enzyme systems ( 19).…”

Autoimmune Response in Experimental Halothane-Induced Liver Injury

“…In experimental animals, although halothane administration has produced various hepatic, structural and functional abnormalities (6)(7)(8)(9)(10)(11)(12), massive necrosis of the liver has not been reported. Recently, however, after pretreatment of rats with phenobarbital, exposure to halothane was found to cause multifocal liver necrosis, as well as hepatic functional changes ( 13 ) .…”