Halothane Reduces Focal Ischemic Injury in the Rat When Brain Temperature Is Controlled

Abstract

When brain temperature was maintained normothermic throughout the focal ischemic insult, a neurologic and histologic protective effect for halothane anesthesia was observed. This effect of halothane was not sufficient to persist when large variations in brain temperature were allowed. Regulation of brain temperature is a critical factor in the determination of the effects of anesthetics on focal ischemic brain damage.