On the use of isofluorane as an anaesthetic for visual neurophysiology

The use of the anaesthetic isofluorane (Forene, Deutsche Abbott) for unit cell recordings from the monkey striate cortex is considered. Two aspects are emphasised; the maintenance of sustained components of response and the stability of vegetative physiology under isofluorane anaesthesia. A comparison of the use of isofluorane with halothane is made. The similar physical constants of isofluorane and halothane allow the easy adaptation of conventional delivery systems to use with isofluorane, when allowance is made for differences in anaesthetic strength.