Comparison of anesthesia protocols for intravenous glucose tolerance testing in rhesus monkeys.

BACKGROUND:Drugs commonly used to sedate non-human primates for physiological sample collection can affect the metabolic system and alter rates of glucose metabolism. This study was designed to compare the physiological and metabolic effects of ketamine/diazepam, telazol, and ketamine/dexmedetomidine. METHODS:Seven female rhesus monkeys underwent intravenous glucose tolerance testing under each of three anesthesia conditions. Blood glucose, insulin, physiological parameters, and sedation characteristics were measured and recorded. RESULTS:Glucose and insulin values were both significantly impacted by ketamine/dexmedetomidine sedation while remaining consistent during ketamine and telazol sedation. Heart rate was also significantly lowered during ketamine/dexmedetomidine anesthesia. Though, ketamine/dexmedetomidine resulted in a longer time between induction of anesthesia and need for a supplemental dose of anesthesia drug. CONCLUSIONS:Telazol and ketamine have minimal cardiorespiratory and metabolic effects compared to ketamine/dexmedetomidine. Although practicably interchangeable, telazol appears to be the most efficient for intravenous glucose tolerance testings with non-human primates.