Study: Lethal Dose of Bupivacaine Higher for Rats 2 vs. 16 Weeks Old

The lethal dose for racemic bupivacaine was higher for two-week-old rats than for 16-week-old rats, according to a study published in Anesthesia & Analgesia.

Advertisement

Researchers infused Wistar rats with RS(±)-bupivacaine and S(−)-bupivacaine and tested cardiac electrical activity, cardiac muscle contraction and Ca2+ regulation. They found that the lethal dose of bupivacaine and strength of muscle twitches were higher in 2-week-old rats compared to 16-week-old rats. In addition, 2-week-old rats had a higher increase in Ca2+ release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum preactivated with caffeine than did their older counterparts.

The authors suggest that different mechanisms for intracellular SR Ca2+ regulation in younger rats may partially account for their decreased susceptibility to cardiodepression from bupivacaine.

Read the Anesthesia & Analgesia abstract on bupivacaine-induced cardiotoxicity at different ages.

Read more coverage on anesthesia:

Society of Anesthesia and Sleep Medicine Encourages Anesthesiologists to Become ‘Perioperative Sleep Physicians’

ASA Provides Information on Radiation Exposure, Relief Efforts in Japan

FDA Grants Official Approval for Appeal of Sedasys System

At the Becker's 23rd Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC + The Future of Spine Conference, taking place June 11-13 in Chicago, spine surgeons, orthopedic leaders and ASC executives will come together to explore minimally invasive techniques, ASC growth strategies and innovations shaping the future of outpatient spine care. Apply for complimentary registration now.

Advertisement

Next Up in Anesthesia

Advertisement

Comments are closed.