Propofol infusions using a human target controlled infusion (TCI) pump in chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes)

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Anesthesia
• Pharmacokinetics
• Primate Research

Background:

• Chimpanzees share significant genetic and physiological similarities with humans.
• Propofol target-controlled infusion (TCI) is standard in human anesthesia but not established in chimpanzees.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the accuracy of human pharmacokinetic models for predicting propofol plasma concentration (Cp) in chimpanzees.
• To determine the feasibility of using TCI for propofol administration in chimpanzees.

Main Methods:

• Ten chimpanzees received propofol for anesthesia.
• Blood samples were collected to measure propofol Cp via high-performance liquid chromatography.
• Human pharmacokinetic models (Marsh, Schnider, Eleveld) were used to predict Cp, with performance assessed using Varvel criteria.

Main Results:

• Human pharmacokinetic models demonstrated acceptable predictive performance for propofol Cp in chimpanzees.
• A human TCI pump successfully maintained propofol Cp during general anesthesia in six chimpanzees.

Conclusions:

• Human propofol pharmacokinetic models are applicable to chimpanzees.
• Target-controlled infusion (TCI) systems designed for humans can be effectively used in chimpanzee anesthesia.
• This research facilitates advanced anesthetic management in non-human primates.