Printed in U.S.A. RESPIRATORY EFFECTS OF TRICHLORETHYLENE, HALOTHANE AND METHOXYFLURANE IN THE CAT’2

In a previous publication (Katz and Ngai, 1962) the respiratory effects of diethyl ether in the cat were studied. The mechanisms of yen-tilatory changes during anesthesia with this agent were examined with respect to respon-siveness of the respiratory center, influence of afferent vagal activity, alterations in acid-base balance and possible interference with neuro-muscular transmission. It was concluded that diethyl ether is primarily a central respiratory depressant but caused tachypnea. Although tachypnea may be partially attributed to in-creased afferent vagal activity, the development of respiratory acidosis during etherization plays a particularly significant role in its production