pubmed-article:1420953 | pubmed:abstractText | The direct cardiac effects of volatile anesthetics following cardioplegic ischemia were investigated in isolated, paced rat hearts. In one series of experiments, the hearts were perfused with oxygenated Krebs Henseleit solution for a 15-minute stabilization period and then the effect of the volatile anesthetic was tested. In another series of experiments, after the stabilization period, the hearts were subjected to cardioplegic (KCl 20mEq/L) ischemia at 30 degrees C for 30 minutes and then the effect of the volatile anesthetic was tested. Halothane, enflurane or isoflurane was introduced to the Krebs Henseleit solution at 0.7 and 1.4 minimal alveolar concentration. All the volatile anesthetics decreased myocardial contractility in a dose dependent manner both before and after cardioplegic arrest. Halothane decreased coronary flow, while isoflurane and enflurane increased coronary flow in both the cardioplegic and non-cardioplegic hearts. The influence of the anesthetics was transient and ceased once they were withdrawn. Ischemic cardioplegia did not affect the response to volatile anesthetics. | lld:pubmed |