Cardiac sensitization question

[pharmer]

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Can someone explain, for example, when using halothane the heart get sensitized to catecholamines? Does that mean the heart won't responed to NE or EPI, or any pressor if given or does that mean it is overly sensitive to these if given?

Thanks,
pharmer

 

[UTSouthwestern]

Can someone explain, for example, when using halothane the heart get sensitized to catecholamines? Does that mean the heart won't responed to NE or EPI, or any pressor if given or does that mean it is overly sensitive to these if given?

Thanks,
pharmer

The latter, not the former. The heart can become exquisitely sensitive to epi and all adrenergic meds given concommittantly with Halothane.