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Table 1 Properties of main anaesthetic agents used in preclinical research: halothane and isoflurane
| Agents | Advantages | Disadvantages | Dosing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Halothane | Potent anaesthetic | Highly metabolised (hepatotoxic) | Induction 3% to 4% Maintenance 1% to 2% (rats and mice) |
| High therapeutic index | Cardiovascular depressant | ||
| Rapid induction and recovery (1 to 3 min) | Moderate hypotension: reduction in cardiac output and peripheral vasodilatation) | ||
| Adequate muscle relaxation | Respiratory depressant | ||
| Non-irritant, non-flammable nor explosive | Halothane sensitises the heart to catecholamines (sympathetic stimulation) | ||
| Easy to vaporise | |||
| Isoflurane | Similar physical properties to halothane | Decreases arterial blood pressure (vasodilatation) | Induction 3% to 4% (rats and mice) Maintenance: 1.5% to 2% (mice)1.5% to 2.5% (rats) |
| Rapid induction and recovery | More expensive than halothane | ||
| Low toxicity and metabolic activity: highly safe | Strong smell: aversive | ||
| Suitable for high frequency and long-term anaesthesia | More potent respiratory depressant than halothane | ||
| Minimal cardiovascular depression | |||
| Moderate respiratory depression | |||
| Good muscle relaxation |
