Cardiovascular and electroencephalographic effects of laudanosine in "nephrectomized" cats.

We studied a cat model simulating laudanosine accumulation in the "anephric" patient. Cardiovascular effects were seen only with the bolus doses of laudanosine 2 mg kg-1, and at plasma laudanosine concentrations unlikely to be achieved clinically. Similarly, EEG and power spectra analysis showed no evidence of epileptiform activity at all plasma laudanosine concentrations achieved. The non-specific EEG/power spectra changes observed may reflect a direct CNS activity with neurodepression, since laudanosine was shown by its presence in CSF to cross the blood-brain barrier. These EEG changes were observed at plasma concentrations eight to 10 times those observed in humans during infusion of atracurium. Thus, laudanosine accumulation and related CNS or cardiovascular toxicity seem unlikely following atracurium administration in the anephric patient.