Effects of halothane and other volatile anaesthetics on protein synthesis and secretion in guineapig liver slices

Summary: We have investigated the effect of volatile anaesthetics on protein synthesis and secretion in Hartley male guineapig liver slices. The slices (250-300 μm thick) were incubated in sealed roller vials containing Krebs-Henseleit buffer at 37°C under 95% oxygen. Volatile anaesthetics were vaporized in the vials to produce constant concentrations in the medium. Halothane 1-2.1 mmol litre^-1 produced a concentration-related decrease in protein synthesis (³H-leucine incorporation) and secretion. Deuter-ated halothane (d-halothane), which is less bio-transformed, was less inhibiting than halothane: uptake of the ³H-leucine was not affected but its incorporation into the nascent peptide was inhibited. Enflurane 2.2 mmol litre^-1, isoflurane 2.2 mmol litre^-1 and sevoflurane 2.1 mmol litre^-1 also inhibited protein synthesis, but to a lesser extent than halothane and d-halothane. We conclude that alterations in protein synthesis and secretion are an early and sensitive indicator of cellular injury by volatile anaesthetics in liver slices.