Calculation of an effect compartment rate constant using recovery indices obtained with an isolated arm technique

We have examined the implications of the theoretical single pharmacokinetic compartment associated with blocker-induced paralysis, in relation to the isolated arm technique. It is assumed that the blocker concentration-effect relationship can be characterized by a sigmoid curve, which incorporates an exponent, s. After tourniquet release, the concentration gradient between the effect compartment and plasma should be large, and elimination related to the rate constant, keo. The major measurement of spontaneous recovery with the isolated arm is the time interval between 75% and 25% twitch depression, T25-T75. The general equation relating these three variables is developed: keo = 2.2/(s x (T25-T75)). Insertion of published values for T25-T75 with isolated arm studies into this equation gave estimates for an intrinsic keo for atracurium, vecuronium, rocuronium and pancuronium.