Laboratory animals
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The Mongolian gerbil is commonly used in medical research. Intravenous administration of compounds in gerbils is difficult as tail vein injection sites are not visible. ⋯ The catheter penetrates the pectoral muscle and is easily inserted into the vein. The method is simple and avoids extensive surgery in the animals.
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The combination of propofol and a rapid-acting opioid, such as fentanyl, sufentanil or remifentanil, is a relatively safe, total intravenous anaesthesia technique, commonly used in humans and which has been investigated in laboratory animals. The objective of this study was to evaluate these combinations for anaesthesia of mice by the intraperitoneal (i.p.) route. Sixty-seven mice, divided into groups of four, were used to test 28 combinations of propofol alone and propofol with fentanyl, sufentanil or remifentanil administered i.p. ⋯ Higher opioid doses induced respiratory depression and higher death rates. The inconsistency between and within groups may be associated with the i.p. route. The results reported here show that the i.p. route is not appropriate for mouse anaesthesia using propofol alone or in combination with fentanyl, sufentanil or remifentanil.
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Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is a field of continuous research. In order to answer various questions regarding SCD, several animal models have been developed. The aim of the present study is to describe our experimental model of inducing cardiac arrest in Landrace/Large White pigs, and then resuscitated according to the International Guidelines on resuscitation. ⋯ Successful resuscitation was contingent on the restoration of the levels of coronary perfusion pressure and PETCO(2) during chest compressions. Among the different ways of inducing cardiac arrest, the ordinary lithium battery is a simple, safe and valuable technique. Landrace/Large White pigs' baseline haemodynamics closely resemble human haemodynamics, making the breed a favourable model for resuscitation.
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The objective of the study was to evaluate the effects of ketamine on intestinal microcirculation in pentobarbital-anaesthetized rats during experimental endotoxaemia. A prospective, randomized, controlled study was carried out using 32 male Lewis rats. The animals were divided into four groups (n = 8 each). ⋯ The addition of ketamine to pentobarbital anaesthesia did not significantly affect FCD, leukocyte behaviour or cytokine levels. In conclusion, intravenous pentobarbital anaesthesia with the additional administration of ketamine did not cause alterations within the microcirculation or changes in cytokine release during endotoxaemia. In rats, the combination of pentobarbital and ketamine is suitable for use during the study of intestinal microcirculation in experimental endotoxaemia.
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The feasibility of an anaesthetic protocol developed for surgery during right heart bypass in sheep is reported. Seven female Suffolk sheep, weighing 25-35 kg, were selected for the study. Premedication consisted of midazolam and methadone (both 0.1 mg kg(-1) intravenously). ⋯ Decreases in blood pressure at the beginning of the bypass can be expected and require treatment. Nitrates are useful in avoiding volume overload during weaning. The anaesthetic protocol is acceptable for surgery under right heart bypass in sheep.