Serum biochemical response to inhalant anesthetics in New Zealand white rabbits

Anesthetics can affect biochemical parameters, complicating the interpretation of laboratory results and perhaps leading to erroneous diagnoses. The present study was performed to characterize variations in selected rabbit biochemical parameters after inhalant anesthetics. Twenty New Zealand White rabbits were allocated to 2 treatment groups (n = 10 animals each), which received either halothane or isoflurane. Anesthesia was induced by using a face-mask, and rabbits were intubated for maintenance of anesthesia for 30 min. Blood samples were obtained before induction and at 1, 10, 30, 60, and 120 min and 24, 48, and 72 h after intubation. Serum cholesterol, triglycerides, albumin, total proteins, total bilirubin, sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium, and phosphorus concentrations were measured by using an autoanalyzer. Administration of halothane significantly increased serum triglyceride levels and decreased serum cholesterol, albumin, total protein, and potassium levels. Isoflurane administration increased serum triglyceride, phosphorus, and chloride concentrations and decreased serum calcium and potassium levels. Caution is required in interpreting data on serum biochemical parameters from rabbits anesthetized with halothane or isoflurane.