Abstract
SUMMARY Estimations of plasma catecholamine levels, pH, Pco2 and HCO3 and measurements of respiratory rate, tidal volume and minute volume were carried out in ten healthy adults during a control state of nitrous oxide-oxygen anaesthesia and during the inhalation of 1 per cent trichloroethylene. There were no significant changes in plasma catecholamine levels and the arterial blood pressure was unaltered during trichloroethylene anaesthesia. Even though there was a statistically significant reduction in tidal volume and an increase in the respiratory rate and minute volume, the acid-base status of the patients was within normal limits. The mean respiratory rate of 32 b.p.m. suggests that the use of a narcotic like pethidine would not have been necessary for the control of tachypnoea. It is concluded that the potent analgesic effect of trichloroethylene facilitates the use of concentrations that do not upset cardiovascular or respiratory homeostasis.
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