Influence of alphaxalone on motor somatosensory evoked potentials in a female rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta).

This communication reports the effect of alphaxalone on motor somatosensory evoked potential (SEPs) in a rhesus macaque. The animal was deeply anaesthetised with an infusion of ketamine, medetomidine, midazolam and alfentanil. The median nerve was stimulated, and SEPs were recorded from the motor cortex. The successive administration of three doses of alphaxalone (0.5, 1 and 2 mg/kg) induced an increase of the latency time and a decrease of the amplitude of the SEPs. However, the structure of the waveforms was conserved, and hence alphaxalone might represent a suitable general anaesthetic option in neuroscience research as well as veterinary or human medicine.

Reported analgesic and anaesthetic administration to non-human primates undergoing experimental surgical procedure: 2010-2015.

BACKGROUND: The use of non-human primates (NHPs) in research remains a major societal concern with public expectations that appropriate anaesthetics and analgesics are used to minimize any pain or distress caused to animals undergoing invasive procedures. A literature review was conducted to examine the reporting of anaesthesia and analgesia methods used in non-human primates undergoing surgical procedures, with recovery from anaesthesia. METHODS: A total of 397 papers from peer-review journals published between 2010 and 2015 were examined. RESULTS: Only 25.9% of papers reported the analgesic regimen used, with carprofen and buprenorphine the 2 most widely used agents. Reporting of the anaesthetic regimens was included in 49.9% of papers. Ketamine and isoflurane were the most frequently used anaesthetic agents. CONCLUSIONS: Anaesthetic and analgesic regimens administered to NHPs remain poorly reported. This lack of detailed descriptions of protocols does little to reassure the public or regulatory authorities that appropriate high standards of perioperative care are employed.