Effects of anaesthesia and surgery on plasma aldosterone concentration and renin activity in man

The effects of various anaesthetic agents and surgery on the plasma concentrations of aldosterone and on renin activity were investigated in 76 patients. The plasma concentration of aldosterone was increased markedly by 2.5 times the control value during 45 min of ether anaesthesia. It was increased also during halothane, methoxyflurane and enflurane anaesthesia. Spinal anaesthesia did not alter significantly the plasma concentration of aldosterone. Plasma renin activity and ACTH concentration were increased slightly during general anaesthesia.