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Nociception-Induced Changes in Electroencephalographic Activity and FOS Protein Expression in Piglets Undergoing
Judith Reiser1, Matthias Kreuzer2, Julia Werner1
1Center of Preclinical Research, Technical University of Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany.
Animals : an Open Access Journal From MDPI
|September 23, 2022
Summary
Local anaesthetics reduce pain responses during piglet castration, as shown by electroencephalogram (EEG) and FOS protein expression. These markers indicate lower nociception when pain relief is provided.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Anesthesiology
- Neuroscience
- Animal Welfare Science
Background:
- Assessing pain and nociception in animals under anesthesia is challenging.
- Surgical castration in piglets is a common procedure with potential for pain.
- Isoflurane anesthesia can mask pain, necessitating objective measures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate electroencephalographic (EEG) patterns and FOS protein expression as indicators of nociception during piglet castration.
- To evaluate the effect of local anesthesia on these physiological responses.
Main Methods:
- Male piglets were subjected to surgical castration under light isoflurane anesthesia.
- EEG activity was analyzed for changes following noxious stimulation and castration.
- FOS protein expression in the spinal cord dorsal horn was assessed via immunohistochemistry postmortem.
- Comparison between groups with and without local anesthesia was performed.
Main Results:
- A biphasic EEG reaction pattern was observed in response to noxious stimuli and castration without analgesia.
- Local anesthetics attenuated or altered the EEG response.
- FOS protein expression was lower in groups receiving local anesthesia compared to those without.
- EEG and FOS expression correlated with nociceptive activity.
Conclusions:
- EEG and FOS protein expression can serve as indicators of nociception in piglets under light isoflurane anesthesia.
- Local anesthesia effectively reduces nociceptive pathway activation during castration.
- Combining EEG and FOS analysis with other parameters like hemodynamic monitoring is recommended for comprehensive nociception assessment.
