Induction of Anesthesia with Halothane Increases Plasma Norepinephrine Concentrations

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Abstract
In 7 unstimulated, unmedicated patients given halothane/O2 via face mask, plasma norepinephrine concentration increased 15 min after induction and returned to control at 45-60 min. Changes in plasma norepinephrine levels did not correlate with changes in cardiovascular variables. In 10 additional awake, unmedicated patients, plasma norepinephrine concentration did not change during 5 min of application of 100% O2 via face mask, but rose with subsequent administration of halothane and N2O. Again, changes in plasma norepinephrine did not correlate with changes in cardiovascular variables. Seven isolated cat spleens were perfused with a Krebs-Ringer''s lactate solution. Addition of 0.01 atm halothane to the perfusate initially increased release of norepinephrine into the effluent. Evidently, halothane or halothane-N2O initially increases plasma norepinephrine during induction of anesthesia. This increase is not due to the placement of a face mask, but may relate to an effect of halothane at sympathetic nerve endings.

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