The effects of some inhalation anaesthetics on the sodium current of the squid giant axon.

Authors:
  • DHD A Haydon
    D A Haydon
  • BUB W Urban
    B W Urban
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Abstract
The effects of diethyl ether, methoxyflurane, halothane, dichloromethane and chloroform on the ionic currents and electrical capacity of the squid giant axon were examined. For each of the anaesthetics the steady-state inactivation curve was shifted in the hyperpolarizing direction though less markedly than for the hydrocarbons. The steady-state activation curve was in each instance shifted in the depolarizing direction, as for the alcohols and other surface active substances. In common with the hydrocarbons and the surface active substances, the peak time constants were invariably reduced. The membrane capacity at 100 kHz was affected significantly only by methoxyflurane; decreases of .apprx. 9% were observed for 3 mM solutions. The extent to which the results can be accounted for in terms of the perturbation of membrane lipid was discussed.

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