General anesthesia in newborn rodents for experimental microsurgery of theear

Citation
S. Dazert et al., General anesthesia in newborn rodents for experimental microsurgery of theear, LARY RH OTO, 79(1), 2000, pp. 26-29
Citations number
18
Categorie Soggetti
Otolaryngology
Journal title
LARYNGO-RHINO-OTOLOGIE
ISSN journal
09358943 → ACNP
Volume
79
Issue
1
Year of publication
2000
Pages
26 - 29
Database
ISI
SICI code
0935-8943(200001)79:1<26:GAINRF>2.0.ZU;2-R
Abstract
Background: Experimental investigations on laboratory animals usually requi re sufficient anesthesia with adequate analgesia and sedation. The techniqu e used should be reliable and easily controllable by the investigator. Here , we present a technique for anesthesia to facilitate invasive and noninvas ive investigations in newborn rats and mice. Methods: Using a custom made b reathing mask, anesthesia was induced in these animals with inhalation of g aseous nitrous oxide-oxygen (equal volume at 1 l/min) and halothane (3 % by volume). To maintain anesthesia, halothane insufflation was reduced to 1-1 .5% by volume. After completion of the experimental procedure, the applicat ion of the inhalative gases was determined and substituted by oxygen at 2 l /min. Anesthesia was performed in spontaneously breathing animals. Heart fr equency and oxygenation were monitored using a commercially available pulse oximeter. Results: Using the above described technique in neonatal rodents , microsurgery of the ear was performed without signs of pain or major blee ding. Auditory brain stem responses were recorded clearly and reproducible. Conclusions: This method represents a noninvasive, well tolerated and easy controllable anesthetic procedure which has proven to provide a sufficient and reliable sedation in neonatal rodents for surgical and nonsurgical inv estigations.