This Article Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Email this article to a colleague Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Request Permissions Citing Articles Citing Articles via HighWire Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Datta, S. Articles by Krieger, N. R. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Datta, S. Articles by Krieger, N. R.

Chronically Administered Progesterone Decreases Halothane Requirements in Rabbits

Received from the Department of Anesthesia Research Laboratories, Brigham and Womens Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.

Abstract

The MAC for halothane is 25% lower in pregnant than that in nonpregnant ewes. The reason for this is uncertain, but changes in both steroidal and endogenous opiate have been implicated. This study was undertaken to assess the effect of exogenous progesterone on minimal alveolar concentrations (MAC) of halothane in ovariectomized rabbits. Minimal alveolar concentration of halothane was determined in 84 female rabbits, 37 intact (group A), 20 ovariectomized and injected with inert carrier peanut oil (group B), and 27 ovariectomized and injected with progesterone in peanut oil (group C). Minimal alveolar concentration in group A, 1.68 ± 0.06% (mean ± SEM), did not differ significantly from that in group B rabbits, 1.77 ± 0.06%. However, MAC in progesterone-treated rabbits, 1.48 ± 0.06%, was significantly lower than the MAC of the other two groups (P < 0.01). Plasma progesterone concentrations in group A, B, and C were 5.28 ± 0.62 nglml, 6.83 ± 2.00 nglml, and 37.33 ± 4.25 nglml, respectively. These results suggest that experimental treatment with progesterone can reduce the amount of halothane required to produce anesthesia and may explain the phenomenon of decreased need of inhalation anesthetic in human parturients.

Key Words: ANESTHETICS, VOLATILE—halothane • POTENCY, ANESTHETIC—MAC • PREGNANCY—HALOTHANE—MAC • ANESTHESIA, obstetric

This article has been cited by other articles:

				N. Mongardon, F. Servin, M. Perrin, E. Bedairia, S. Retout, C. Yazbeck, P. Faucher, P. Montravers, J.-M. Desmonts, and J. Guglielminotti Predicted Propofol Effect-Site Concentration for Induction and Emergence of Anesthesia During Early Pregnancy Anesth. Analg., July 1, 2009; 109(1): 90 - 95. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				F. F. Buchanan, P. S. Myles, K. Leslie, A. Forbes, and F. Cicuttini Gender and Recovery After General Anesthesia Combined with Neuromuscular Blocking Drugs Anesth. Analg., January 1, 2006; 102(1): 291 - 297. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				V. Erden, Z. Yangin, K. Erkalp, H. Delatioglu, F. Bahceci, and A. Seyhan Increased Progesterone Production During the Luteal Phase of Menstruation May Decrease Anesthetic Requirement Anesth. Analg., October 1, 2005; 101(4): 1007 - 1011. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				A. Leon, O. Mayzler, M. Benifla, M. Semionov, Y. Fuxman, I. Eilig, V. Passuga, M. K. Doitchinova, B. Gurevich, A. A. Artru, et al. Determining Minimum Alveolar Anesthetic Concentration of Halothane in Rats: The Effect of Incremental Change in Halothane Concentration and Number of Crossovers Anesth. Analg., December 1, 2004; 99(6): 1822 - 1828. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				H. Higuchi, Y. Adachi, S. Arimura, M. Kanno, and T. Satoh Early Pregnancy Does Not Reduce the C50 of Propofol for Loss of Consciousness Anesth. Analg., December 1, 2001; 93(6): 1565 - 1569. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]