Halothane relaxes previously constricted human epicardial coronary artery segments more than isoflurane.

To compare the vasodilatory effects of isoflurane versus halothane on coronary arteries in vitro, we studied the capacity of isoflurane and halothane to relax resting and previously constricted human coronary artery segments with use of in vitro tension recording. Human epicardial coronary artery segments (1.5-2.0 mm outside diameter) were obtained from hearts excised from recipient patients at time of heart transplantation. The effects of 0.5%, 1.0%, 2.0%, and 3.0% isoflurane or halothane on resting coronary artery segments stretched to their optimal resting tension were determined. Next, after removal of anesthetic from the bathing solution, the segments were constricted with K+ (60 mM), and this contraction was allowed to plateau. The arteries were then again exposed to isoflurane or halothane at 0.5%, 1.0%, 2.0%, and 3.0% concentrations. Isoflurane and halothane had no effect on noncontracted coronary artery segments stretched to their optimal resting tension. Halothane caused significant relaxation of K(+)-induced (60 mM) contractions at 2.0% and 3.0% but not at lower concentrations. Isoflurane did not cause significant relaxation of K(+)-induced (60 mM) contractions at any concentration studied. Our studies indicate that under the conditions studied, isoflurane at clinically relevant concentrations is not a significant coronary dilator.