ROLE OF CANINE SPLEEN IN CARDIOVASCULAR HOMEOSTASIS DURING HALOTHANE ANESTHESIA

  • 1 January 1977
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 4  (3) , 241-246
Abstract
Splenic involvement in homeostatic changes due to halothane anesthesia were studied by measuring the central hematocrit [hct], plasma volume and ventricular hemodynamics at low and high halothane concentrations before and after splenectomy in the same group of dogs. Although the hct difference was less after splenectomy, it was not abolished. There was more cardiovascular depression by equivalent or lower halothane doses after splenectomy. The dog apparently has other areas of red cell sequestration than the spleen accounting for the persistently lower hct with high halothane concentrations after splenectomy. The modifying effect of the canine spleen on the circulatory depression produced by halothane should be taken into account when the drug is used.