Antinociceptive efficacy of buprenorphine and hydromorphone in red-eared slider turtles (Trachemys scripta elegans).
Despite the frequent clinical use of buprenorphine in reptiles, its antinociceptive efficacy is not known. In a randomized, complete cross-over study, the antinociceptive efficacy of buprenorphine (0.2 mg/kg s.c.) was compared with hydromorphone (0.5 mg/kg s.c.), and saline (0.9% s.c. equivalent volume) in 11 healthy red-eared slider turtles (Trachemys scripta elegans). Additionally, buprenorphine at 0.1 and 1 mg/kg was compared with saline in six turtles. Hindlimb withdrawal latencies were measured after exposure to a focal, thermal noxious stimulus before and between 3 hr and up to 96 hr after drug administration. Buprenorphine did not significantly increase hindlimb withdrawal latencies at any time point compared with saline. In contrast, hydromorphone administration at 0.5 mg/kg significantly increased hindlimb withdrawal latencies for up to 24 hr. These results show that hydromorphone, but not buprenorphine, provides thermal antinociception in red-eared slider turtles.
Department of Surgical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, 2015 Linden Drive, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, USA. cmans@gmx.net
Christoph
C
Mans
Lesanna L
LL
Lahner
Bridget B
BB
Baker
Stephen M
SM
Johnson
Kurt K
KK
Sladky
D000818:Animals; D002047:Buprenorphine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D006358:Hot Temperature / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004091:Hydromorphone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D010146:Pain / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology / Q000662:veterinary*; D013997:Time Factors; D014426:Turtles
D002047:Buprenorphine; D004091:Hydromorphone