hide
Free keywords:
-
Abstract:
We have investigated in rat brain slices the effects of the volatile anaesthetics enflurane, isoflurane and halothane on spontaneous discharge
patterns and mean firing rates of cerebellar Purkinje cells. In the absence of these anaesthetics, Purkinje cells fired bursts of action potentials separated by
quiescent periods lasting less than 2 s. Mean discharge rates were 10.8 (SEM 0.4) Hz at 23+/-1 degrees C and 25.6 (1.2) Hz at 35+/-1 degrees C. The
agents exhibited qualitatively different effects when applied at concentrations corresponding to 1-3 MAC. Enflurane markedly lengthened burst and
inter-burst durations. Isoflurane acted in a similar manner, but effects were less pronounced. In contrast with isoflurane and enflurane, halothane
shortened burst durations. At concentrations corresponding to 1-1.5 MAC, halothane, isoflurane and enflurane significantly depressed action potential
firing by 15-30 (P