The Effect of Phenobarbitone Anaesthesia on Blood Flow and Oxygen Consumption in the Rat Brain

The influence of phenobarbitone anesthesia on blood flow (CBF) and oxygen consumption (GMRO2) was evaluated in the rat brain, using a method that quantitatively measures CBF in mainly cortical areas. The data were compared to those obtained in animals under fentanyl citrate analgesia. Body temperature and arterial CO2 tension were maintained close to normal values in all groups. With 50 mg/kg of phenobarbitone, CBF and CMRO2 were reduced by about 20%. With 150 or 250 mg/kg, further reductions in CBF and CMRO2 were observed. At 250 mg/kg, CBF was reduced to one third, and CMRO2 to about 50% of normal. The results suggest that little further reduction in CBF or CMRO2 can be expected if the dose of phenobarbitone is increased above 250 mg/kg.