Inhaled anaesthetics have no effect on fertility in Drosophila melanogaster

The potential effects of enflurane, isoflurane, halothane, fluroxene and nitrous oxide on mortality and fertility in Drosophila melanogaster were examined. The LD50 value 1 day after exposure for 1 h was the same for males and females and was about 8% for enflurane, isoflurane and halothane, about 20% for fluroxene, and greater than 100% for nitrous oxide. Male and female fertility, however, were not affected by any of the anaesthetics, even at concentrations well above those used clinically.