Data from: Rat aversion to isoflurane versus carbon dioxide

In Experiment 2, 9/16 and 0/16 rats remained in the dark compartment until recumbent when initially exposed to isoflurane and CO2, respectively. In Experiment 3, more rats remained in the dark compartment until recumbent during initial (10/16) versus re-exposure (1/16) to isoflurane. These results indicate that initial exposure to CO2 is more aversive than isoflurane, and that re-exposure to isoflurane is more aversive than initial exposure.

We conclude that sedation with isoflurane is a refinement over euthanasia with CO2 alone for rats that have not been previously exposed to inhalant anaesthetics.

Usage notes

Time spent in dark compartment during gas exposure This data was collected in the UBC Centre for Disease Modelling from 2010-2011. Three experiments were carried out separately, with each tab in the excel file representing one experiment. There are two abbreviations: "ISO" represents isoflurane and "CO2" represents carbon dioxide.

Data Deposit.xlsx