Effects of Volatile Anesthetics on Oral Tissue Blood Flow in Rabbits: A Comparison Among Isoflurane, Sevoflurane, and Desflurane.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare the concentration-dependent effects of isoflurane, sevoflurane, and desflurane on oral tissue blood flow.

Materials And Methods: Thirty male Japan White rabbits were randomized to receive 1 of 3 volatile anesthetics: isoflurane (group Iso), sevoflurane (group Sevo), or desflurane (group Des). The end-tidal concentration of each volatile anesthetic was regulated to 0.5, 1, and 1.5 minimum alveolar concentrations (MACs). The observed variables were heart rate, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure, common carotid arterial blood flow, tongue mucosal blood flow, mandibular bone marrow blood flow (BBF), masseter muscle blood flow (MBF), upper alveolar tissue blood flow, and lower alveolar tissue blood flow (LBF).

Results: The blood pressure in each group tended to decrease depending on the concentration of each volatile anesthetic, with the smallest effect in group Des. BBF and MBF in group Iso were higher than those in group Des at 1 MAC, and MBF and LBF in group Iso were highest at 1.5 MAC.

Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that each volatile anesthetic produced unique effects on blood flow in oral tissues and circulatory parameters. Among the 3 volatile anesthetics, desflurane produced the smallest effects on oral tissue blood flow.