Protective effects of halothane on ischemic reperfusion injury on rat perfused hearts]

We evaluated the possible cardioprotective effects of halothane in isolated rat hearts. Langendorff perfusion was initiated by using Krebs-Henseleit Buffer (KHB) heated at 37 degrees C. Control group: After 15 mins Langendorff perfusion, global ischemia was induced for 40 mins at 37 degrees C by clamping aorta, followed by 60 mins of reperfusion. Experimental group: Global ischemia was induced at the same time course as the control group and during reperfusion, halothane administered at the concentration of 1%, 2%, 3%. Cardiac function (heart rate, coronary flow, Vmax of the left ventricule) and intracelluar calcium level was measured during pre-ischemia, ischemia and reperfusion period. Recovery of cardiac function after ischemia was better in the 1% halothane group than in the control group but suppression on cardiac function inclined to increase concentration dependently. Compared to the control group, increase of intracellular calcium level after ischemia was suppressed in the halothane administered group at all concentration level. These data suggests that a low dose halothane administration shows a cardioprotective effects during reperfusion.