Inhalation of enflurane and halothane at subanesthetic concentrations and effects on circulating serum testosterone, luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone in the male rat.

The present study was carried out in order to investigate the effects of inhaled volatile anesthetic gases in subanesthetic concentrations on circulating hormones essential for normal male reproduction. Male mature rats were exposed daily, up to 11 days, to halothane or enflurane in concentrations up to 500 and 1000 ppm, respectively, and thereafter examined for changes in the serum concentration of circulating testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). No significant changes were found for any of the investigated hormones. Based on our results and other reports it is suggested that short-term repeated exposure to halothane and enflurane at subanesthetic concentrations is not associated with any appreciable acute toxicity on male reproductive functions.