Identification of single nucleotide polymorphisms within exon 1 of the canine mu-opioid receptor gene.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the presence and frequency of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within exon 1 of the canine mu-opioid receptor (MOR) gene. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective genetic analysis. ANIMALS: Seventy-five dogs of various breeds. METHODS: DNA was isolated from dog blood. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed to amplify exon 1 of the canine MOR gene using primers derived from a published sequence. PCR products of anticipated size were identified by gel electrophoresis, isolated and sequenced. RESULTS: Two SNPs were found within the examined region. One is 15 base pairs (bp) upstream (C-15A) of the protein-coding portion of the gene. The second is at position 207 (C207T); a synonymous mutation predicting unaltered protein sequence. The overall prevalence of the C-15A SNP was 43% (64/150 alleles). The overall prevalence of the C207T SNP was 26% (39/150 alleles). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Absence of haplotypes containing both an adenosine at position -15 and a thymine at position 207 suggests that these polymorphisms occurred independently from each other. How these SNPs influence variations in responses seen after opioid administration to dogs remain to be determined, however, our data indicates the C-15A SNP may play a role in opioid dysphoria.

Cardiopulmonary effects of dobutamine and norepinephrine infusion in healthy anesthetized alpacas.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize the cardiopulmonary effects of dobutamine and norepinephrine infusion in isoflurane-anesthetized healthy alpacas. ANIMALS: 8 adult alpacas. PROCEDURES: Initial baseline cardiovascular, respiratory, and metabolic variables were obtained 30 minutes after induction of isoflurane anesthesia in 8 alpacas (3 females and 5 sexually intact males). Four treatments (dobutamine at 4 and 8 microg/kg/min and norepinephrine at 0.3 and 1 microg/kg/min) were administered in random order via constant rate infusion over 15 minutes, followed by repeat measurements of cardiopulmonary values and a 20-minute washout period. Subsequent baseline and posttreatment measurements were similarly repeated until both drugs and dosages were administered to each animal. Baseline data in awake alpacas were obtained 18 to 24 hours following recovery from anesthesia. RESULTS: Both dobutamine and norepinephrine significantly increased cardiac index and arterial blood pressure from baseline values. Similar increases in hemoglobin concentration, oxygen content, and oxygen delivery were observed following administration of each drug at either dosage. Only dobutamine, however, reduced relative oxygen consumption while improving overall tissue oxygenation. Furthermore, heart rate was selectively enhanced by dobutamine and systemic vascular resistance by norepinephrine. Norepinephrine infusion resulted in dose-dependent changes in cardiopulmonary variables. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results indicated that both dobutamine and norepinephrine were appropriate choices to improve cardiac index, mean arterial pressure, and overall oxygen delivery in alpacas with isoflurane-induced hypotension. Careful titration by use of low infusion rates of dobutamine and norepinephrine is recommended to avoid potential arrhythmogenic effects and excessive vasoconstriction, respectively.