The Effect of Halothane and Nitrous Oxide on Phagocytosis and Human Leukocyte Metabolism

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Abstract
Wound infection is a serious complication following surgery. Because abnormalities of neutrophil function seriously impair the immunologic defense against infection, we examined the in vitro effect of halothane and nitrous oxide (N2O) on the function of human leukocytes. Latex particle phagocytosis by leukocytes was measured by microscopic examination of cells, and the associated leukocyte enzymatic reduction of nitroblue tetrazolium dye (NBT) was measured spectrophotometrically. Incubation of leukocytes for 30 minutes in either 0.5 to 2.5 percent halothane or 80 percent N2O produced only minimal, statistically insignificant, inhibition of latex particle phagocytosis or NBT reduction. These findings suggest that inhibition of phagocytosis reported in vivo during anesthesia results from other factors, such as stress or altered blood flow.

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