Effect of halothane on isometric twitch and tetanus response and the associated heat production in striated muscle of frogs.

The purpose of these investigations was to determine the effect of halothane on isometric contraction of striated muscle and to measure the associated heat production. This basic information is necessary before studies more directly relating to malignant hyperthermia are undertaken. Sartorius muscles were isolate from Rana pipiens during winter and summer months. It appears from these experiments that there is a prolongation of the relaxation phase of the twitch and tetanus responses with low concentrations of halothane, with a more diffuse effect on the contractile process evident at higher administered concentrations. The results of heat measurements, using a sensitive thermopile-galvanometer system, are compatible with the hypotheses that this effect on relaxation could result from either an interference with calcium reuptake by the sarcoplasmic reticulum or an increased affinity of the troponintropomyosin complex for available calcium.