Effect of dantrolene on ventilation and respiratory muscle activity in anaesthetized dogs

The effect of dantrolene on ventilation and ventilatory muscle activity was evaluated in spontaneously breathing anaesthetized dogs. When administered as a bolus of 1.5 mg kg-1 i.v., dantrolene caused hypercapnia. Under isocapnic conditions, with end-tidal PCO2 maintained at 8.1 (SEM 0.3) kPa by adjusting inspired carbon dioxide, dantrolene decreased tidal volume from 475 (66) to 254 (46) ml and breathing rate from 21 (4) to 15 (3) b.p.m. (P less than 0.01 for both). Occlusion pressure was reduced, but the rate of rise of the diaphragm and intercostal EMG were unchanged and peak activity increased only as a result of prolongation of inspiration. Respiratory variables returned gradually to baseline values 1 h after dantrolene administration. Phrenic nerve stimulation revealed a marked reduction in the ability of the diaphragm to generate pressure, particularly at low frequencies of stimulation. Only partial recovery was observed after 1 h. It is concluded that dantrolene causes hypoventilation in the anaesthetized dog when given in large doses i.v.