Porcine malignant hyperthermia iv: Neuromuscular blockade

Abstract

The effect of tubocurarine and pancuronium on the initiation or prevention of porcine malignant hyperthermia (MH) was investigated in Pietrain pigs. Tubocurarine 0.6 mg/kg body weight inhibited a suxamethonium-induced response in three pigs, but failed to prevent a fatal halothane-induced response in a further four pigs. Pancuronium 0.2 mg/kg body weight was given to six pigs before a halothane challenge. Three animals developed MH and died; the remainder succumbed only after reversal of the neuromuscular blockade. Thepartial protection afforded by large doses of pancuronium is discussed in relation to the ability of previous muscle activity to influence the sensitivity to halothane. © 1976 Macmillan Journals Ltd.