Differential Sensitivities of Mammalian Nerve Fibers during Pregnancy

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Abstract
Ermined after the application of bupivacaine (0.35 mM). The onset of conduction block occurred in 6.7–12.1 min in the A, B, and C fibers from pregnant animals compared to onset times of 17.9–31.6 min in nerves taken from nonpregnant rabbits. The difference in onset time for each type of nerve fiber from pregnant and nonpregnant animals was highly significant. The results suggest either an increased sensitivity of nerve fibers from pregnant animals to bupivacaine or an enhanced diffusion of the bupivacaine to the membrane receptor site. Mechanical factors are clearly not responsible for the observed results. Hormonal factors may play a role in the decreased anesthetic latency, because progesterone levels were significantly higher in the pregnant animals. Address correspondence to Dr. Datta, Department of Anesthesia, Brigham and Women's Hospital, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA 02115. This study was supported in part by an American Society of Regional Anesthesia Research Grant, and by the Brigham and Women's Biomedical Research Fund. Accepted for publication July 21, 1983. © 1983 International Anesthesia Research Society...

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