Multiple halothane exposure and hepatic bromsulphthalein clearance.

Multiple exposures to halothane have been shown to have delayed effects on bromsulphthalein (B.S.P.) clearance. Rats were exposed to repeated halothane anaesthetics, and their livers were subsequently isolated and perfused. B.S.P. retention in the perfusate of these isolated livers was greatly increased one to three weeks after the last halothane exposure. In similarly pretreated animals at the same time period the B.S.P.-glutathione conjugating enzyme activity in homogenates of the livers was found to be depressed. These findings did not occur after multiple diethyl ether exposures or following a single exposure to halothane.