Halothane immunotoxicity

The oxidative metabolism leads to the formation of reactive species (epoxides, quinone-imines, etc.), which can be a source of toxicity. Consequently, slowing down or limiting these oxidations is an important second target in medicinal chemistry. Thus, the metabolism of halothan (the first modern general anaesthetic) provides hepatotoxic metabolites inducing an important rate of hepatitis the oxidation of the non-fluorinated carbon generates trifluoroacetyl chloride. The latter can react with proteins and lead to immunotoxic adducts [54], The replacement of bromine or chlorine atoms by additional fluorine atoms has led to new families of compounds, preferentially excreted by pulmonary way. These molecules undergo only a very weak metabolism rate (1-3%) [54,55]. 

Thus, immune-media ted responses can be immediate or delayed and localized or widespread. The response can be restricted to the area of exposure or can be systemic. Similar compounds may cross-react or produce very different responses. Many different foreign compounds can cause an immunotoxic response drugs such as penicillin, halothane, and hydralazine, industrial chemicals such as trimellitic anhydride and toluene di-isocyanate, natural chemicals such as pentadecylcatechol found in poison ivy, food additives such as tartazine, and food constituents such as egg white (albumen). 

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