Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
Contemporary Topics in Laboratory Animal Science, cilt.35, sa.5, ss.96-98, 1996 (SCI-Expanded)
Epidural catheterization for the purpose of epidural analgesia or anesthesia is the most frequently used method in humans, but it is generally agreed that epidural administration in humans should be preceded by neurotoxicologic studies in animals. A simple and effective technique of epidural catheterization in rabbits is described. A literature search found no previous reports about the catheterization of the sacral epidural space of the rabbit. This reliable method should prove to be a great advantage to researchers needing a small animal model for epidural catheterization. The purpose of the study reported here was to develop a simpler, more reliable technique for catheterization of the epidural space in a small animal model. Thirty New Zealand White rabbits were studied. The tail of each rabbit was transversely amputated 1 cm distal to the anus. An epidural catheter was inserted into the sacral epidural canal of rabbits under general anesthesia. To confirm that its tip was in the epidural space, 1 ml of 1% lidocaine was administered via the catheter. Catheters were kept in place until animals were sacrificed on day 8. Prior being sacrificed, to make sure that the catheter's tip was still located in the epidural space, 1 ml of 1% lidocaine was again given through the catheter, and motor paralysis was observed in each animal. In all rabbits, the catheter was found to be located in the sacral epidural space at necropsy. Histologic sections of the dura mater itself and the content of the dural sac exhibited no damage. This technique of sacral canal catheterization is simple and effective, and has the advantage of not requiring special surgical skills for placement.