The effects of halothane on the contents of putative transmitter amino acids in whole rat brain

The effects of halothane on brain amino acid contents were investigated in rat by using a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry system. The contents of glycine and glutamate did not show any consistent changes in 1% or 2% halothane, but increased in 3% or 4% halothane. The levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid were not altered in any concentrations of halothane. The levels of aspartate increased in a dose-dependent manner up to 3% halothane, but returned to the control level in 4% halothane. These findings suggest that halothane brings the alteration of brain amino acid contents by affecting their synthesis and catabolism.