Halothane-induced alteration in the fluidity of rat brain synaptosomal membranes and its relationship to anesthesia

: Concentrations of halothane 1.43% or higher abolished the pain response and induced anesthesia. Halothane increased membrane fluidity of synaptosomes and microsomes both at non-anesthetic and anesthetic concentrations. Changes in fluidity in synaptosomes did not return to control levels even after the animals recovered from anesthesia. Alteration in membrane fluidity by halothane is a non-selective effect and may not play a definitive role in anesthesia.