Effects of two different anaesthetics on serum concentrations of cortisol and luteinizing hormone in barrows and gilts

Abstract

SummaryTo determine if administration of the anaesthetic cocktail, telazol-ketamine -xylazine (TKX) and pentothal (PEN) decreases serum concentrations of luteinizing hormone (LH) in pigs, the following experiment was performed. On day 1, eight gilts and six barrows of similar weight (75 kg) were anaesthetized with TKX (1 mL/22.5 kg body weight [BW] intramuscularly) and indwelling jugular catheters were inserted. On days 2, 6 and 8 blood samples were taken every 20 min, for 4 h before pigs were administered saline (day 2) or anaesthetized with TKX (day 6) and PEN (8.9 mg/kg BW intravenously, day 8). Blood samples were taken every 20 min for 4 h following administration of saline and anaesthetics. Mean serum concentrations of LH and cortisol did not differ (P . 0.05) within barrows or gilts from before administration of saline (day 2) to following saline administration. Mean serum concentrations of LH and cortisol were not different (P . 0.05) within barrows and gilts before administration of TKX ( pre-TKX) or PEN compared with day 2 samples. Following administration of TKX ( post-TKX), mean serum concentrations of LH decreased (P , 0.05) and remained decreased for 140 min, while mean serum concentrations of cortisol increased (P , 0.05) post-TKX and remained elevated for 140 min. In gilts, mean serum concentrations of LH did not differ (P . 0.05) from pre-to post-TKX. However, mean serum concentrations of cortisol increased (P , 0.05) post-TKX in gilts and remained elevated for 240 min. Following administration of PEN, mean serum concentrations of LH and cortisol within barrows and gilts were not different (P . 0.05) from concentrations before administration of PEN. Administration of TKX to barrows and gilts increased serum concentrations of cortisol, but transient decreases in serum concentrations of LH were observed only in barrows, indicating gonadal status and/or sex may influence the ability of TKX to alter circulating concentrations of LH in pigs.

Endocrine rhythms in the brown bear (Ursus arctos): Evidence supporting selection for decreased pineal gland size

“…The very low cortisol levels in adult nonanesthetized bears during the summer were in sharp contrast to those measured in anesthetized bears during the same period confirming that the anesthetics used in our studies caused the increases. Indeed, sympathomimetics, such as that used in the current studies have been documented to increase cortisol (Al-Damluji et al 1987;Bugajski et al 1991;Lin et al 1993;Clapper 2008). In contrast, the benzodiazepinelike drug, Zolazepam, included in Telazol, could mitigate some of the HPA stimulation resulting from tiletamine hydrochloride (Rohrer et al 1994;Imaki et al 1995;Bentson et al 2003).…”

“…; Lin et al. ; Clapper ). In contrast, the benzodiazepine‐like drug, Zolazepam, included in Telazol, could mitigate some of the HPA stimulation resulting from tiletamine hydrochloride (Rohrer et al.…”

Anesthetic protocols for urodynamic studies of the lower urinary tract in small rodents—A systematic review

“…It is used as the sole agent for induction and maintenance of general anesthesia [47]. The most likely sites of action in the CNS include inhibition of neurotransmitter-gated ion channels such as GABA, glycine and NMDA receptors [48,49]. It has other sites of action within the spinal cord that induce skeletal muscle relaxation through the inhibition of NMDA-type glutamate and glycine receptors [47].…”

“…It has other sites of action within the spinal cord that induce skeletal muscle relaxation through the inhibition of NMDA-type glutamate and glycine receptors [47]. Isoflurane has limited effects on cardiac function, but it is a respiratory depressant and has vasodilatory effects [49]. The anesthesia induction and recovery are fast [50].…”