CEREBROSPINAL-FLUID CONCENTRATIONS OF LAUDANOSINE AFTER ADMINISTRATION OF ATRACURIUM

The concentration of laudanosine in cerebro-spinal fluid (CSF) was measured in four patients undergoing brain electrode placement after the administration of atracurium. CSF: plasma laudanosine concentration ratios ranged from < 1 to 14%, with a range of CSF laudanosine concentration of <2-14 ng ml-1. One patient had no detectable laudanosine in CSF, but sampling in this patient was possible for only 30 min. There was no atracurium detectable in the CSF of any patient. We conclude that laudanosine crosses the blood-brain barrier and further study of its central nervous system effects in man is warranted. © 1990 Copyright: 1990 British Journal of Anaesthesia.