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Ketanserin and malignant hyperthermia in pigs
Acta Anaesthesiologica Scandinavica
|January 1, 1986
Summary
Ketanserin, a serotonin-S2 antagonist, did not prevent malignant hyperthermia (MH) in pigs challenged with halothane and suxamethonium. Dantrolene is still the only effective drug for MH prevention and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Anesthesiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Malignant hyperthermia (MH) is a severe pharmacogenetic disorder of skeletal muscle.
- Triggering agents like halothane and suxamethonium can induce MH episodes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of ketanserin, a serotonin-S2 antagonist, in preventing MH episodes in susceptible pigs.
- To evaluate if modulating serotonin receptors impacts MH susceptibility.
Main Methods:
- Four Danish landrace pigs with known susceptibility to MH were used.
- Pigs were challenged with halothane and suxamethonium on six separate occasions.
- Pretreatment involved administering ketanserin at doses of 0.4 mg/kg or 4 mg/kg.
Main Results:
- All pigs developed typical MH episodes on all six occasions, irrespective of ketanserin pretreatment.
- Ketanserin did not demonstrate any protective effect against MH triggered by halothane and suxamethonium.
- The severity or incidence of MH was not reduced by the tested serotonin-S2 antagonist.
Conclusions:
- Ketanserin is ineffective in preventing or treating malignant hyperthermia in pigs.
- Current therapeutic strategies for MH remain unchanged, with dantrolene being the sole specific agent.
- Further research into serotonin receptor involvement in MH pathogenesis is warranted.