The use of etorphine/methotrimeprazine and midazolam as an anaesthetic technique in laboratory rats and mice.

Abstract

The results of a preliminary evaluation of etorphine/methotrimeprazine ('Small Animal Immobilon') and midazolam in rats and mice are reported, and this regimen is compared to fentanyl/fluanisone/midazolam in mice. In rats, a surgical plane of anaesthesia with good muscle relaxation was produced, but blood gas analysis showed the presence of severe hypoxia, hypercapnia and acidosis. In mice etorphine/methotrimeprazine/midazolam and fentanyl/fluanisone/midazolam produced adequate anaesthesia, but blood gas analysis showed severe respiratory depression with both regimens. Since etorphine/methotrimeprazine/midazolam produced severe respiratory depression in rats and mice it is suggested that this regimen is used with caution. Administration of supplemental oxygen would seem advisable when using either etorphine/methotrimeprazine/midazolam or fentanyl/fluanisone/midazolam in rats and mice.

• Authors: G Whelan, P A Flecknell
• Journal: Laboratory animals (Lab Anim) Vol. 28 Issue 1 Pg. 70-7 (Jan 1994) ISSN: 0023-6772 [Print] England
• PMID: 8158972 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Etorphine
• Methotrimeprazine
• Midazolam

Topics

• Anesthesia (adverse effects, methods)
• Animals
• Animals, Laboratory
• Blood Gas Analysis
• Etorphine (adverse effects)
• Male
• Methotrimeprazine (adverse effects)
• Mice
• Mice, Inbred BALB C
• Midazolam (adverse effects)
• Rats
• Rats, Wistar
• Respiration