Anesthetic effects of a mixture of xylazine, ketamine, and buprenorphine in laboratory rats subjected to short surgical procedures

Background: Rodents are commonly used as models in experimental procedures, and researchers often need to perform rapid manipulations involving sedation and analgesia. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the validity of the combination of xylazine and ketamine in association with buprenorphine in experimental rats undergoing short-term surgical procedures. Methods: Twenty-six male rats were enrolled in experiments. Thirty minutes before the start of the procedure, buprenorphine (0.05 mg/Kg) was administered subcutaneously. The sedative protocol included intraperitoneal (IP) administration of 70 mg/Kg ketamine and 10 mg/Kg xylazine. Additionally, at the end of the procedure, all rats received 0.1 mg/Kg of atipamezole IP. Immediately before sedation and at 5, 10, 15, and 20 minutes after atipamezole administration, the main cardiorespiratory parameters were recorded. In addition, induction time, depth of anesthesia, duration of the procedure, recovery time, and pain score were recorded. Results: The mean induction time was 2.29 ± 0.95 minutes. At the time of surgery, all subjects showed a deep anesthetic plane (score ≥ 3), and no response to skin incision was observed (score = 0). The time to recovery from the righting reflex after atipamezole administration was 3.66 ± 1.09 minutes. No rats showed signs of pain based on the rat Grimace scale. Conclusion: Our results suggested that the association of opioids with the xylazine/ketamine protocol ensures rapid induction and good analgesia during short procedures with mild/moderate painful stimulation. Furthermore, the administration of atipamezole facilitates rapid recovery and resumption of motor activity.