Neurologic Evaluation of the Rat during Sciatic Nerve Block with Lidocaine

作者：J. G. Thalhammer, Marina Vladimirova, Boris Bershadsky, Gary R. Strichartz · 发表于：Anesthesiology · 年份：1995 · DOI：10.1097/00000542-199504000-00026 · 被引用次数：317 · 研究领域：Anesthesia and Pain Management、Veterinary Pharmacology and Anesthesia、Dental Anxiety and Anesthesia Techniques

BACKGROUND: Quantitative behavioral testing is necessary to establish a reproducible measure of differential functional blockade during regional anesthesia. Methods for assessment of the neurologic status (mental status, posture, gait, proprioception, motor function, autonomic function, and nociception) in veterinary neurology were adapted for the rat and used to monitor functional changes separately during a sciatic nerve block. METHODS: Sprague-Dawley rats were acclimated to laboratory routine before the study so that lidocaine (0.1 ml, 1%) could be injected near the sciatic notch without any chemical restraint. The onset, duration, and magnitude of functional losses were monitored. Proprioceptive integrity was evaluated by assessing the response to tactile placing and the hopping response. Extensor postural thrust, a test for postural reactions in small animals, was assessed on a digital balance and found adequate for quantifying motor function. Analgesia was assessed by measuring withdrawal response latencies to noxious thermal stimulation (51 degrees C) and to superficial and deep noxious pinches. Autonomic function was monitored by measuring skin temperature. Contralateral limb function was used as an internal control, and injection of saline was used as an external control in separate, control animals. RESULTS: Onset of postural and gait abnormalities were observed as early as 40 s after injection. On each occasion proprioceptive impairment was detected first, followed...