Influence of general anaesthesia with halothane and isoflurane on some parameters of gastric juice in the rat

ABSTRACT

The effect of two inhalational anesthetics, halothane and isoflurane on gastric secretory activity was investigated in the rat. Compared with the control group, halothane significantly decreased the hydrochloric acid concentration, peptic activity and volume of the gastric secretion, while it produced no change in the mucin content. Isoflurane caused a significant decrease in the volume and hydrochloric acid concentration as compared to control. On the other hand, the mucin content showed a significant increase and no change in the peptic activity. Attempts to explain the possible mechanisms underlying these findings have been discussed. The risk from inhalation of acid gastric contents seems to be reduced during and at the end of general anesthesia using anesthetic agents. Also, the results show that isoflurane and halothane appeared to be a reasonable choice when emergency surgery is required and/or in patients with symptoms of hyperacidity