Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate volatile anaesthetic action on small splanchnic resistance arteries. Employing isometric tension recording, we studied the effects of clinically relevant concentrations (0.25– 1.25 minimum alveolar concentration (MAC)) of isoflurane, sevoflurane and enflurane on contractions induced by norepinephrine (NE), a sympathetic neurotransmitter, in the rabbit small mesenteric artery. Rhythmic oscillations were observed in contractile responses to NE. Both isoflurane (≥ 0.25 MAC, 0.5% (≈0.11 mM)) and sevoflurane (≥ 0.75 MAC, 2.8% (≈=0.38 mM)) inhibited the NE (10 μM)- induced contraction with concomitant inhibition of average amplitude of the oscillations. Only enflurane (≥ 0.25 MAC, 0.7% (≈0.20 mM)) generated vasoconstriction superimposed on the NE-induced contraction; however, the vasoconstriction was transient and was followed by vasorelaxation. Concurrently, enflurane (≥ 0.25 MAC) strongly inhibited the average amplitude of the oscillations; higher concentrations (≥ 1.0 MAC) of enflurane completely eliminated the oscillations. The frequency of the NE-induced oscillations was less affected by the anaesthetics. The observed vasodilator action of these anaesthetics in small resistance arteries may contribute to their hypotensive effects in vivo. The potent inhibition of the rhythmic oscillations also may play a role in volatile anaesthetic-induced alterations in cardiovascular homeostasis.
Résumé
Cette étude avait pour objectif de rechercher les effets de certains anesthésiques volatils sur les petites artères splanchniques de résistance. En enregistrant la tension isométrique, les auteurs ont étudié les effets de concentrations efficaces en clinique (0,25–1,25 MAC d’isoflurane, de sévoflurane et d’enflurane) sur les contractions induites par le neurotransmetteur sympathique norépinéphrine (NE) sur la petite artère mésentérique du lapin. En réponse à la NE, on a observé des oscillations rythmiques contractiles. L’isoflurane (≥ 0,25 MAC, 0,5% (≈0,11 mM)) et le sévoflurane (≥ 0,75 MAC, 2,8% (≈0,38 mM)) inhibaient la contraction induite par la NE (10μM) avec une inhibition simultanée de l’amplitude moyenne des oscillations. Seul l’enflurane (≥ 0,25 MAC, 0,7% (≈0,20 mM)) a provoqué une vasoconstriction superposée à la contraction induite par la NE; cependant, cette vasoconstriction était transitoire et suivie de vasorelaxation. Simultanément, l’enflurane (≥ 0,25 MAC) a inhibé vigoureusement l’amplitude moyenne des oscillations; les concentrations plus élevées (≥ 1,0 MAC) d’enflurane ont éliminé complètement les oscillations. La fréquence des oscillations induites par la NE a été moins affectée par les anesthésiques. L’activité vasodilatatrice observée avec ces anesthésiques sur les petites artères de résistance peut contribuer à leurs effets hypotensifs in vivo. La puissante inhibition des oscillations rythmiques peut aussi jouer un rôle dans les altérations de l’homéostase cardiovasculaire induites par les anesthésiques.
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This work was in part supported by a Grant-in-Aid (A) (No. 05771141) from the Ministry of Education, Science and Cultures, Japan.
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Akata, T., Kodama, K. & Takahashi, S. Volatile anaesthetic actions on norepinephrine-induced contraction of small splanchnic resistance arteries. Can J Anaesth 42, 1040–1050 (1995). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03011080
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03011080