Urethane affects the rat visual system at subanesthetic doses

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Abstract

Urethane is an anesthetic which is commonly used in neurophysiological studies because it is presumed to have minimal effects upon neuronal activity. This study investigated the influence of urethane anesthesia upon flash evoked potentials (FEPs) recorded from hooded rats. Subanesthetic dosages (25 g/kg and 0.5 g/kg) and an anesthetic dosage (1.0 g/kg) were administered, and subsequently recorded FEPs were compared to vehicle-injected controls. Urethane produced profound qualitative and quantitative effects upon the FEP. At 0.5 g/kg, the P1 (normal latency=20 msec) and N1 (normal latency=30 msec) peaks became unrecognizable. Peak N1 disappeared and peak P1 merged with P2 (normal latency=45 msec). Peak P2 increased in amplitude by about 100%. The results indicated that in the visual system, urethane has a significant influence upon neuronal activity. Caution should be used in interpreting data obtained from urethane-anesthetized rats.

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The research described in this article has been reviewed by the Health Effects Research Laboratory, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and approved for publication. Approval does not signify that the contents necessarily reflect the views and policies of the Agency nor does mention of trade names or commercial products constitute endorsement or recommendation for use.

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Present address: Department of Pharmacology, Burroughs Wellcome Company, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709.

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