Inhalational anesthetics and conduction velocity of human peripheral nerve.

Abstract We recorded compound action potentials percutaneously from ulnar nerve in normal volunteers. The subjects then received various anesthetics, including cyclopropane, ether, nitrous oxide and Ethrane, an experimental halogenated ether. The first three agents increased conduction velocity by approximately 10–20%. In contrast, Ethrane had no effect. The results apparently did not reflect use of d -tubocurarine, changes in arterial carbon dioxide, artifacts of recording over long periods of time or shifts in body temperature. The effective agents may act by reducing the resistance or capacitance of peripheral nerve membranes.