Effects of Subanesthetic Halothane on the Ventilatory Responses to Hypercapnia and Acute Hypoxia in Healthy Volunteers

Abstract

The results show depression of the ventilatory responses to hypoxia and hypercapnia during inhalation of subanesthetic concentrations of halothane. The depression is attributed to a selective effect of halothane on the peripheral chemoreflex loop. The oxygen and carbon dioxide responses mediated by the peripheral chemoreceptors are affected proportionally. It is argued that the decrease in central time constants is caused by an effect of halothane on central neuronal dynamics.