Lack of effect of halothane on E, EA, and EAC rosette formation and cyclic AMP level of human lymphocytes.

The effect of halothane on rosette formation and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cyclic AMP) level of human lymphocytes was investigated. A 4- or 24-hour incubation with 2% halothane had no significant effect on "early" or "late" E, EA and EAC rosette formation or intracellular cyclic AMP levels of human lymphocytes whereas cytochalasin B, which affects microfilament action, reversibly inhibited both E and EA but not EAC rosette formation. It is suggested that halothane in clinical concentrations neither disturbs the function of microfilaments, essential for E and EA rosette formation, nor affects the metabolism of cyclic AMP in unstimulated human lymphocytes.