Effects of bupivacaine on human erythrocytes submitted to stress and evidence for an interaction between bupivacaine and flumazenil

Aims To examine the effects of bupivacaine on erythrocytes submitted to an oxidative stress (AAPH) and to provide evidence for an in vitro interaction between bupivacaine and flumazenil. Methods Human erythrocytes were studied with or without AAPH in the presence of different concentrations of bupivacaine (0.15, 0.3, 0.9 and 1.8 mmol l−1 ), or flumazenil (0.16 mmol l−1 ) and with the association of flumazenil and two doses of bupivacaine (0.15 and 0.3 mmol l−1 ). Potassium efflux was measured by flame photometry at t0, and every 30 min for 2 h. Results In the absence of AAPH, extracellular potassium remained unchanged. Oxidative stress induced a significant increase in extracellular potassi…