Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 9, 2026

Assessing Changes in Volatile General Anesthetic Sensitivity of Mice after Local or Systemic Pharmacological Intervention
Published on: October 16, 2013
Modification by halogenated anaesthetics of chronotropic response during reversal of neuromuscular blockade
Abstract:
The effect of halothane and enflurane on changes in heart rate during reversal of neuromuscular block was compared in 48 adult patients. Premedication and anaesthetic technique were standardized. Either halothane or enflurane was the primary anaesthetic while pancuronium was used in all patients to achieve muscle relaxation. Ventilation was mechanically controlled and PaCO2 was between 30-40 mmHg. The neuromuscular block was reversed by an intravenous injection of atropine 1.2 mg and neostigmine 2.5 mg, given either separately or simultaneously, in different patient subgroups. Heart rate changes were significantly different between the halothane and enflurane groups. In general, reversal of neuromuscular block was accompanied by less fluctuations in heart rate after enflurane as compared to halothane anaesthesia. Simultaneous injection of atropine and neostigmine modified the tachycardiac response in the halothane sub-group only. Our observations suggest that use of enflurane offers an advantage over halothane in those patients in whom rapid fluctuations in heart rate during reversal of neuromuscular block may be dangerous.
More Related Videos
14:52Recording Brain Electromagnetic Activity During the Administration of the Gaseous Anesthetic Agents Xenon and Nitrous Oxide in Healthy Volunteers
Published on: January 13, 2018
09:36Halogenated Agent Delivery in Porcine Model of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome via an Intensive Care Unit Type Device
Published on: September 24, 2020
Related Concept Videos
Nondepolarizing (Competitive) Neuromuscular Blockers: Mechanism of Action
Competitive antagonists prevent acetylcholine from binding to its receptor, inhibiting membrane depolarization. Without conformational changes or intrinsic...
Nondepolarizing (Competitive) Neuromuscular Blockers: Pharmacological Actions
Although all competitive neuromuscular blockers are designed...
Depolarizing Blockers: Mechanism of Action
Succinylcholine is the most commonly used depolarizing blocker. Chemically, it constitutes two molecules of acetylcholine joined together by an acetate methyl group. They act on the receptors in the same way as acetylcholine. Because succinylcholine...
Depolarizing Blockers: Pharmocokinetics
Skeletal Muscle Relaxants: Adverse Effects
Unlike...
Skeletal Muscle Relaxants: Therapeutic Uses