Effects of Chloroform, Halothane and Methoxyflurane on Human Liver Cells in Vitro

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Abstract
Morphologic and certain functional effects of chloroform, halothane, and methoxyflurane on cultures of human hepatic cells (Chang) are reported. Phase-contrast photomicrography and time-lapse cinematography revealed varying degrees of toxic reactions characterized by intracytoplasmic vacuolization and changes in cytoplasmic activity. At clinically useful concentrations, chloroform caused minimal reversible damage in most cells while with halothane and methoxyflurane disturbing effects on cell morphology and cytoplasmic function were virtually absent. In excessive concentration, chloroform produced generalized permanent cell damage, while with halothane only a fraction of the cells underwent disintegration. Methoxyflurane could not adequately be assessed because of the limited solubility of the drug in the tissue culture medium.

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