The effects of halothane and ether on the pulmonary circulation in the innervated perfused cat lung.

The effects of halothane and diethyl ether on pulmonary vascular resistance and the pulmonary vasoconstrictor response to alveolar hypoxia were studied in the innervated perfused cat lung. A left and right heart bypass technique was used to allow perfusion of the lungs at constant flow. Neither anaesthetic agent caused a significant change in pulmonary vascular resistance but both agents caused a depression of the pulmonary vasoconstrictor response to hypoxia.