Brain DNA damaging effects of volatile anesthetics and 1 and 2 Gy gamma irradiation : Preliminary results.

Although both can cause DNA damage, the combined impact of volatile anesthetics halothane/sevoflurane/isoflurane and radiotherapeutic exposure on sensitive brain cells has not been previously analyzed. Healthy Swiss albino male mice (240 in total, 48 groups) were exposed to either halothane/sevoflurane/isoflurane therapeutic doses alone (2 h); 1 or 2 gray of gamma radiation alone; or combined exposure. Frontal lobe brain samples from five animals were taken immediately and 2, 6, and 24 h after exposure.