Effect of controlled halothane anaesthesia on splanchnic blood flow and cardiac output in the dog

Effects of halothane anaesthesia on aplanchnic blood flow and cardiac output were studied in six dogs. Blood flows in the hepatic artery, the superior mesenteric artery and the portal vein were measured electromagnetically. Cardiac output was measured by thermodilution. Depth of anaesthesia, ventilation, acid-base state and body temperature were controlled. Cardiac output and blood flows in the hepatic artery, the superior mesenteric artery and the portal vein decreased significantly to 73%, 54%, 59% and 60% of control values, respectively. Total peripheral vascular resistance decreased significantly, while mesenteric and portal resistance remained essentially unchanged and hepatic arterial resistance showed a significant increase. It is suggested that the difference between the various vascular responses may be caused by a differentiated release from baroreceptor inhibition in various parts of the bulbar vasomotor center.