Investigation of the effects of anesthesic substances on electrocardiography in mice under anesthesia

Aim: Aim of this study is to investigate the effects of different anesthetics on electrocardiogram and heart rate variability. Material and method: In this study, 21 BALB/c mice, 10-12 weeks old, weighted 26.2 ± 2.1g, were used as experimental animals and three groups were formed; 1:Na-Pentobarbital (75 mg/kg, n = 7), 2:Na-Pentobarbital/Fentanyl (75 mg/kg+0.04 mg/kg, n = 7), 3:Ketamine/Xylazine (100 mg/kg+8 mg/kg, n = 7). Results: Our results showed that PR interval was slightly increased between Na-Pentobarbital and Na-Pentobarbital-Fentanyl groups in terms of sECG parameters and no other differences were found in accordance with the literature. Also, it was observed that heart rate decreased dramatically in Ketamine/Xylazine group and increased the LF and LF/HF ratio while reducing VLF and HF compared to Na-Pentobarbital and Na-Pentobarbital/Fentanyl combination. Ketamine/Xylazine combination affected HRV parameters more dramatically than Na-Pentobarbital and Na-Pentobarbital/Fentanyl combination. Conclusion:Ketamine/Xylazine combination had negative effects on electrocardiography and HRV. Although it hasn't been fully determined whether it can affect sympathetic parasympathetic balance, it has reduced the RR interval and changed all parameters of HRV. In addition, since J and Jc ECG parameters are increased, it is not an anesthesia method that can be recommended considering the possible ischemia in the heart. We found that Fentanyl, addition to Na-Pentobarbital can be used safely. Thus, we can suggest that safer analgesia level can be performed by reducing the amount of anesthetic used. Keywords: Anesthesia, Electrocardiography, HRV, Mouse