Neutrophil chemotaxis and anaesthesia.

Using a modified Boyden technique, the ability of normal human neutrophils to migrate in response to chemotactic stimulation was evaluated during exposure in vitro to halothane and thiopentone. No abnormality in neutrophil chemotaxis could be demonstrated with either agent at concentrations used clinically. The anaesthetics also did not effect serum complement, which was used as the chemotactic stimulant. It is concluded that halothane and thiopentone have little direct effect on the chemotactic activity of human neutrophils.