Halothane reversibly inhibits human neutrophil bacterial killing

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W D Welch

    Anesthesiology
    |December 1, 1981
    PubMed

    Insights

    Halothane anesthesia impairs human white blood cells (polymorphonuclear leukocytes) from killing E. coli and K. pneumoniae. This effect is reversible, suggesting halothane impacts immune cell function during infection.

    Area of Science:

    • Immunology
    • Anesthesiology
    • Microbiology

    Background:

    • Gram-negative bacteria like E. coli and K. pneumoniae are common causes of bacteremia.
    • Polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNL) are crucial immune cells for combating bacterial infections.
    • Halothane is an anesthetic agent with potential effects on immune function.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the impact of halothane on the bactericidal activity of human PMNL against E. coli and K. pneumoniae.
    • To determine if the observed effects are reversible.

    Main Methods:

    • Human PMNL were exposed to varying concentrations of halothane (0.75%, 1.0%, 1.5%).
    • The ability of halothane-exposed PMNL to kill E. coli and K. pneumoniae was assessed.
    • Reversibility of halothane's effect was tested by exposing treated PMNL to air.

    Main Results:

    • Halothane significantly inhibited PMNL's killing of E. coli at 0.75% and completely abolished it at 1.0%.
    • Killing of K. pneumoniae was reduced by halothane in a dose-dependent manner (from 98% to 82% at 1.0%, and to 65% at 1.5%).
    • The inhibition of bacterial killing was reversible upon removal of halothane.

    Conclusions:

    • Halothane reversibly impairs the ability of human PMNL to kill common bacteremic gram-negative pathogens.
    • The mechanism may involve a detrimental effect on the oxidative microbicidal activity of PMNL.
    • Bacterial susceptibility to halothane-affected PMNL may vary.

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