Abstract
Purpose::
To describe a general anesthesia protocol used for non-human primates in research in ophthalmology, specifically to inhibit vomiting often observed during intravenous fluorescein fundus angiography.
Methods::
Baboons were used in an experimental protocol involving laser-induced subretinal neovascularization. Fluorescein angiography was practiced under general anesthesia. In order to inhibit vomiting, animals received 0.5mg/kg metoclopramide intra-muscularly 45 minutes before general anesthesia. Medetomidine hydrochloride (0.04 mg/kg) and tiletamine/zolazepam (2 mg/kg) was used for general anesthesia and then atropine sulfate was administered at 0;04 mg/kg. Anesthesia was maintained by injection of diazepam (0.25 mg/kg).
Results::
This protocol allowed realization of fluorescein angiography in optimal conditions, with no vomiting, retching or hypersalivation.
Conclusions::
Often it is difficult to obtain a full sequence of fluorescein angiograms in non-human primates as vomiting may occur between the first and fifth minute post-injection. Our protocol appears to limit this inconvenience.
Keywords: choroid: neovascularization • imaging methods (CT, FA, ICG, MRI, OCT, RTA, SLO, ultrasound)