Time Course of Effects of Inhalation Anesthesia on Blood Glucose Level in Male and Female C57BL/6 Mice

Abstract

Mice are the most common animal model used for in vivo studies relevant to human disease. The numerous mouse phenotypes available, created by genetic manipulation, enable the linking of specific genes to normal or abnormal molecular and organ functions. Isoflurane is a very common type of anesthesia used in many laboratories performing metabolism and diabetes research. The study of diabetes and obesity focuses on the glucose level as one of the main variables. Moreover, microPET imaging techniques specifically focus on blood glucose biodistribution [1] [2] [3] [4]. The handling and preparation of mice (stress, body temperature, and anesthesia) are very important factors that can impact on glucose levels. Pomplun et al. [5] have previously reported that blood glucose levels in wild type C57Bl/6 mice were significantly elevated immediately following isoflurane anesthesia while Fueger et al. [6] reported that isoflurane anesthesia (2% in 100% oxygen) mildly increased blood glucose levels in severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) male mice [5] [6]. Other investigators have reported development of hypoglycemia during isoflurane anesthesia [1] [2] [7].