EFFECTS OF ENFLURANE AND HALOTHANE ON LIVER BLOOD FLOW AND OXYGEN CONSUMPTION IN THE GREYHOUND

SUMMARY

The effect of increasing inspired concentrations of halothane 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0% and cdurane 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 3.0% on the hepatic circulation, were investigated in two groups of anasthetized greyhounds. Hepatic arterial a d portal venous blood flow were measured continuously using electromagnetic flow probes. Mean arterial pressure and cardiac output were monitored throughout each investigation. At equiptent anaesthetic concentrations there were similar and dose-dependcnt decreases in hepatic arterial, portal venous and total liver blood flows in b t h groups. Enflurane produced a more marked decrease in mean arterial pressure than halothane because of a significant decrease in systemic vascular resistance. Hepatic arterial resistance decreased significantly with enflurane but was unchanged in the group receiving halothane. Nather drug affected hepatic oxygen consumption significandy.