Effect of halothane on adenylate kinase in porcine malignant hyperpyrexia.

The effects of halothane on adenylate kinase activity in porcine muscle have been examined. No abnormality in malignant hyperpyrexia susceptible muscle was found. At clinical concentrations of halothane only slight inhibition of adenylate kinase activity was observed. The inhibition increased with increasing concentrations of halothane and with decreasing concentrations of the substrates AMP or ADP. The inhibition was similar in both malignant hyperpyrexia susceptible and control muscle. It seems unlikely that adenylate kinase is involved directly in triggering malignant hyperpyrexia.