Anesthetic Effects in Mice and Dogs of Some Unsaturated Hydrocarbons and Carbon-Oxygen Ring Compounds

Summary

1. Anesthesia was induced in mice with 20 different compounds which were highly purified unsaturated hydrocarbons and carbon-oxygen ring compounds. Concentrations required for surgical anesthesia and for respiratory arrest were measured.

2. Compounds with unsaturation in the 2 position in either the ethylene or acetylene series exhibited greater physiological activity than did corresponding compounds having unsaturation in the terminal position.

3. Trimethylene oxide and 5 and 6 membered carbon-oxygen ring compounds were toxic.

4. Where sufficient agent was available, sensitization of cardiac tissue of anesthetized dogs to epinephrine was determined. Irregularities of cardiac rhythm of at least moderate severity were produced with all 9 agents used except isobutylene which caused only mild tachycardia and minor voltage changes.