Anaesthesia and the reticulo-endothelial system: Comparison of halothane-nitrous oxide and neuroleptanalgesia.

The effect of halothane anaesthesia and neuroleptanalgesia (NLA) on the phagocytic activity of the reticulo-endothelial system (RES) was investigated with the aid of the Lipofundin clearance test. The results suggest that halothane in nitrous oxide depresses the phagocytic activity of the RES. NLA did not exert a depressant effect on the RES function. As it is essential for the body to be in a defensive condition to cope adequately with infensive condition to cope adequately with infection and cancer metastases, care must be taken to ensure that an anaesthetic procedure does not cause additional impairment of RES function. The results of the investigations suggest that NLA may have advantages in this respect.