Verification of a free vascularized nerve graft model in the rat with application to the peripheral nerve allograft

The effects of moderate systemic hypotension with halothane (HALO) and isoflurane (ISO) on regional myocardial function and perfusion were studied in dogs with chronic coronary artery occlusion. Vasodilator reserve in collateral-dependent (CD) myocardium was quantified in conscious animals by using a dipyridamole challenge test. Blood flow was distributed homogeneously to the normal (Nl) and CD myocardium at rest, but subendocardial perfusion increased only in the Nl area after dipyridamole. HALO and ISO were administered at doses that reduced diastolic arterial pressure to 50 mm Hg. End-tidal concentrations were 1.3 +/- 0.2 vol% for HALO (1.5 minimum alveolar anesthetic concentration) and 1.8 +/- 0.2 vol% for ISO (1.4 minimum alveolar anesthetic concentration), respectively. Global and regional hemodynamic depression were more pronounced with HALO. Systolic wall-thickening fraction decreased both in the Nl (-37%) and CD area (-27%). Myocardial blood flow to Nl and CD myocardium decreased to a comparable extent. ISO predominantly decreased systemic vascular resistance and, when compared to HALO, decreased systolic wall-thickening fraction less in both the Nl (-19%) and CD area (-18%). In addition, regional myocardial perfusion to both Nl and CD myocardium remained virtually unaltered from conscious control conditions. Despite reductions of diastolic blood pressure to 50 mm Hg, neither HALO nor ISO induced ischemic dysfunction in myocardium with diminished vasodilator reserve. Both anesthetics preserved intercoronary as well as transmural blood flow distribution. During HALO, myocardial perfusion was less both in Nl and CD myocardium due to a more pronounced metabolic depression. We conclude that moderate hypotensive doses of ISO and HALO preserve regional myocardial function of collateral-dependent myocardium in dogs with single vessel occlusion and enhanced collateral circulation.