The effect of halothane on renal cortical blood flow in normotensive and hypotensive dogs.

The effect of halothane on renal cortical blood flow (RCBF) has been investigated using the krypton 85 clearance technique, in seven dogs at normal arterial pressure, and in eight dogs at pressures of 100 mm Hg produced by bleeding. Halothane 0.5 per cent caused small and variable changes in RCBF in the normotensive animals. In the hypotensive animals, halothane 0.5 per cent caused a marked rise in RCBF. It is concluded that in the shocked dog, halothane reduces or abolishes the effects of renal sympathetic vasoconstriction, thus allowing renal blood flow to increase towards normotensive values.