Background Acute inhibition of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) has been demonstrated to
reduce the anesthetic requirements of volatile anesthetics. Recent data suggest that not only
volatile but also intravenous anesthetic agents interact with nitric oxide (NO) metabolism.
The aim of this study was to examine the effect of NOS inhibition by nitroG-L-arginine-methyl-
ester (L-NAME) on the anesthetic action of the intravenous anesthetics thiopental, propofol,
and ketamine. Methods The anesthetic potencies of thiopental, propofol, and ketamine were …