Increased synthesis of nitric oxide in rat brain cortex due to halogenated volatile anesthetics confirmed by EPR spectroscopy

Background: Halogenated volatile anesthetics (HVAs) are considered to be inhibitors of nitric oxide synthase (NOS). On other hand, NO mediates the vasodilation produced by HVAs. Thus, both increase and decrease of NO concentration in brain tissues are possible during anesthesia. Previously, we have observed an increase of NO content in rat brain cortex under halothane anesthesia. The goal of this study was to determine whether the observed phenomenon was general for this anesthetic group, if it was specific for brain cortex, and if the NO increase was due changes in NOS activity. Methods: NO scavengers were injected to adult rats 30 min prior to anesthesia. Rats were anesthetized by inhalat…