Effects of halogenated hydrocarbons on synaptosomal uptake and release of neurotransmitters

In their studies the authors attempted to examine two aspects: the effect of halothane on the Mg²⁺-stimulated ATPase activity of actomyosin isolated from rat brain; and the high affinity uptake and K⁺-stimulated release by synaptosomal preparations of the putative neurotransmitters norepinephrine, serotonin, glutamic acid and GABA. They have preliminary data on the effect of halothane on the ATPase activity of brain actomyosin and on the uptake and release of the putative neurotransmitters. Initial data on the effects of the anesthetics methoxyflurane and enflurane and the convulsant trichlorotrifluorethane on the high affinity uptake system are also presented. In conclusion, volatile anesthetics can affect membranes and proteins in a variety of ways. These interactions no doubt are related to the various stages of clinical anesthesia and their toxic effects. The mechanisms of how they are related, as cause and effect, are yet to be established.