The rat vertex-middle latency auditory-evoked potential as indicator of anaesthetic depth: a comparison with evoked-reflex testing.

We investigated whether components from the rat Vx-MLAEP could be used to assess depth of anaesthesia induced by propofol. Propofol decreased MLAEP amplitudes and increased latencies. We propose that the P(16)-N(22) wave in the rat MLAEP is similar to the human P1, and that recovery of this wave during propofol anaesthesia correlates with behavioural measures of the regaining of consciousness.

EEG evaluation of reflex testing as assessment of depth of pentobarbital anaesthesia in the rat.

Electroencephalography (EEG) was applied to evaluate the validity of the paw pinch reflex as an indicator of anaesthetic depth in rats which are anaesthetized with a single intraperitoneal dose of pentobarbital. After induction of the anaesthesia, characterized by the rapid loss of the animals' ability to maintain upright posture, the EEG of 10 out of 11 rats was dominated by paroxysmal (burst suppression) activity, associated with unconsciousness. In seven out of 11 rats, the paw pinch reflex was lost after onset of paroxysmal electroencephalographic activity. However, the paw pinch reflex remained present in four out of 11 animals, demonstrating that the response is independent of cortical activity. In five out of seven rats, the EEG still showed paroxysmal activity when the paw pinch reflex was regained. However, in two other rats the EEG returned to a pattern similar to that shown by awake animals, 4 and 21 min respectively, before the reflex was regained. These data indicate that in the pentobarbital-anaesthetized rat, presence of the paw pinch reflex is not related to the level of depression of electrical activity in the cerebral cortex, and consequently is probably not related to the level of consciousness. Based upon these findings it is concluded that the paw pinch reflex is unreliable as a sole indicator of anaesthetic depth.

[Euthanasia of piglets: gas or injection?]. / Euthanasie bij jonge biggen: gas of injectie?

Methods for the humane killing of animals are watched critically by both the public and the veterinary community. Evaluation of such methods requires assessment of efficacy as well as emotional and ethical aspects. Rapidity of loss of consciousness is a crucial factor in such evaluations. In the present study, four methods for piglet euthanasia were compared with regard to presence of indicators of discomfort (pain, anxiety, stress) and rapidity of onset of death, defined as the absence of breathing, heart beats and reflexes, combined with isoelectricity of the electro-encephalogram (EEG). The study was performed on piglets, which had to be destroyed on account of preventive measures against swine fever. The following methods were applied: CO2 98%, CO2/O2 65/35%, T61 and pentobarbital (Euthesate) injected intracardially. Intracardial injections of T61 and pentobarbital provide fast unconsciousness and death with minimal discomfort to the animal.