Effects of halothane and isoflurane in the upper airway of dogs during development

It has been previously found that volatile anesthetics significantly affect the activity of laryngeal receptors. In this study we have investigated the respiratory effects of these volatile anesthetics delivered into the upper airway of newborn and adult dogs. Experiments were performed on 17 5-14-day-old, 3 26-28-day-old and 3 adult dogs, anesthetized and breathing spontaneously through a tracheostomy. In the youngest age group, halothane decreased ventilation (VE) to 37.6 +/- 6.8% of control (mean +/- SE; P < 0.01) due to a decrease in both frequency and tidal volume. Peak inspiratory and expiratory flows, and esophageal pressure (Pes) were depressed also (60.8 +/- 6.5%, 51.6 +/- 7.1% and 66.5 +/- 8.1% of control, respectively; P < 0.01). Superior laryngeal nerve (SLN) section abolished the changes in VE, but residual significant decreases in peak flows and Pes were still present and disappeared only after topical anesthetization of the nasal cavities. Isoflurane had similar but weaker effects on VE (74.2 +/- 2.8% of control; P < 0.01), accompanied by a decrease in peak inspiratory and expiratory flows and Pes. SLN section abolished these changes. In the 26-28 day age group there was only a decrease in peak inspiratory airflow with the halothane challenge; isoflurane did not have any effect. In the adult dogs halothane caused only a marginal decrease in inspiratory time. The depressive effects of halothane and isoflurane should be considered when they are used for induction of anesthesia in newborns.