Inhalant chemicals halogenated hydrocarbons

The mechanism of action of inhalational anesthetics is unknown. The diversity of chemical structures (inert gas xenon hydrocarbons halogenated hydrocarbons) possessing anesthetic activity appears to rule out involvement of specific receptors. According to one hypothesis, uptake into the hydrophobic interior of the plasmalemma of neurons results in inhibition of electrical excitability and impulse propagation in the brain. This concept would explain the correlation between anesthetic potency and lipophilicity of anesthetic drugs (A). However, an interaction with lipophilic domains of membrane proteins is also conceivable. Anesthetic potency can be expressed in terms of the minimal alveolar concentration (MAC) at which 50% of patients remain immobile following a defined painful stimulus (skin incision). Whereas the poorly lipophilic N2O must be inhaled in high concentrations (>70% of inspired air has to be replaced), much smaller concentrations (<5%) are required in the case of the more lipophilic halothane. 

Modern inhalation anesthetics are nonexplosive agents that include the gas nitrous oxide as well as a number of volatile halogenated hydrocarbons. As a group, these agents decrease cerebrovascular resistance, resulting in increased perfusion of the brain. They cause bronchodilation and decrease minute ventilation. Their clinical potency cannot be predicted by their chemical structure, but potency does correlate with their solubility in lipid. The movement of these agents from the lungs to the different body compartments depends upon their solubility in blood and various tissues. Recovery from their effects is due to redistribution from the brain. 

Chloracne is a follicular dermatosis, often refractory to treatment, which results from environmental exposure to certain halogenated aromatic hydrocarbons. Chloracne is considered one of the most sensitive indicators of biological response to these chemicals and it occurs regardless of whether chemical exposure has occurred via skin contact - the usual route, inhalation or ingestion (Crow and Puhvel 1991). 

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