Anesthesia & Analgesia

Isoflurane is an inhalant anesthetic agent that produces rapid induction and recovery from anesthesia. The depth of anesthesia can be easily and rapidly altered. Virtually no metabolism occurs in the body because isoflurane is almost completely eliminated in expired air. Liver microsomal enzymes are minimally affected which results in little interference with drug metabolism or toxicology studies.

The use of isoflurane requires an anesthetic machine fitted with a precision vaporizer to deliver controlled amounts of anesthetic and oxygen. Anesthetic can be delivered to the animal via an anesthetic chamber, facemask or endotracheal intubation. Isoflurane anesthetic systems designed for rodents are available in the University Park campus animal facilities. The CBL animal facility is also equipped with a surgical suite with inhalant anesthetic equipment suitable for use in nonrodent species. Please contact the ARP for information on training and use of this equipment.