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Updated: May 1, 2026
Characterization of Metabolic Status in Nonhuman Primates with the Intravenous Glucose Tolerance Test
Published on: November 13, 2016
Comparison of anesthesia protocols for intravenous glucose tolerance testing in rhesus monkeys
Kelli L Vaughan1, Mark D Szarowicz, Richard L Herbert
1Translational Gerontology Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, NIH, Dickerson, MD, USA; SoBran, Inc., Burtonsville, MD, USA.
Background:
Drugs commonly used to sedate non-human primates for physiological sample collection can affect the metabolic system and alter rates of glucose metabolism. This study was designed to compare the physiological and metabolic effects of ketamine/diazepam, telazol, and ketamine/dexmedetomidine.
Methods:
Seven female rhesus monkeys underwent intravenous glucose tolerance testing under each of three anesthesia conditions. Blood glucose, insulin, physiological parameters, and sedation characteristics were measured and recorded.
Results:
Glucose and insulin values were both significantly impacted by ketamine/dexmedetomidine sedation while remaining consistent during ketamine and telazol sedation. Heart rate was also significantly lowered during ketamine/dexmedetomidine anesthesia. Though, ketamine/dexmedetomidine resulted in a longer time between induction of anesthesia and need for a supplemental dose of anesthesia drug.
Conclusions:
Telazol and ketamine have minimal cardiorespiratory and metabolic effects compared to ketamine/dexmedetomidine. Although practicably interchangeable, telazol appears to be the most efficient for intravenous glucose tolerance testings with non-human primates.
