Beschreibung:
<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title><jats:p>Effects of isoflurane on the DNase I activity in an isolated enzyme preparation and in the DNase I‐globular (G) actin complex were investigated. DNase I, DNase I‐G actin complex, and G actin were exposed to various (0.2–4.0 vol%) isoflurane concentrations for 180 min. Thereafter, DNase I activity was determined. DNase I activity was inhibited in relation to time and concentration of isoflurane exposure. At concentrations ranging from 0.2 to 1.0 vol% of isoflurane inactive DNase I was activated in the DNase I‐G actin complex. The DNase I inhibitor G actin showed a reduced capability to inhibit DNase I following isoflurane exposure. Albumin can inhibit the DNase I inactivation possibly by competition in the reactions between DNase I/albumin and isoflurane. After exposure to isoflurane the absorption maximum of DNase I was identical with the absorption maximum of heat‐denaturated DNase I. The results suggest a mechanism by which isoflurane may affect DNA in an indirect way at concentrations to which the patient is exposed during clinical anesthesia.</jats:p>