The comparative evaluation of methoxyflurane and diethyl ether action upon an active sodium transport across isolated...

The experiments were performed in vitro using the frog skin preparations and Ussing method. The effect of methoxyflurane was investigated in 18 sections and that of diethyl ether in 16 sections. Both the anaesthetics were found to affect the frog skin preparation in qualitatively similar way. They both demonstrated a two-phase character of action. Decrease in active sodium transport is preceeded by a transient increase in bioelectric indices of the membrane. The effect was reversible after removing of the drugs from the medium. In order to determine the mechanism of action of the two anaesthetics they were given in combination with ADH and insulin. It was found that the mechanism of action of both the drugs is not analogical to any of the hormones examined, at least, as far as the first phase of action is concerned.