Med. Weter. 82 (11), 554-564, 2026
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| NIMET KILIÇ, NUH KILIÇ, BURAK BAYDOĞAN, CEREN YİĞİT, SEREN YİĞİT |
| Comparative Evaluation of the Effects of Two Anesthetic Combinations and Administration Routes on Lacrimal Secretion in Gerbils. |
| The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of two injectable anesthetic combinations administered via different routes on lacrimal secretion in gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus). Thirty-two healthy adult male gerbils were randomly assigned to four experimental groups (n = 8). Group 1 received ketamine-medetomidinemidazolam (KMM) via the subcutaneous (SC) route, Group 2 received the same combination intraperitoneally (IP), Group 3 received ketamine-dexmedetomidine-midazolam (KDM) subcutaneously, and Group 4 received the KDM combination intraperitoneally. Tear production was evaluated using the Endodontic Absorbent Paper Point Test (EAPPT) and the Phenol Red Thread Test (PRTT) before anesthesia (baseline), at 15, 30, 45, and 60 min after anesthetic administration, and 24 h later. Statistical analyses were performed by non-parametric methods, with significance set at P < 0.05. Both anesthetic combinations produced a temporary reduction in tear production during anesthesia. Significant temporal changes in EAPPT values were observed in Groups 1, 3, and 4, whereas Group 2 showed no significant variation. In contrast, PRTT measurements demonstrated significant reductions in tear production in all groups during the anesthetic period. Dexmedetomidinecontaining protocols generally produced more pronounced and sustained decreases in lacrimal secretion than medetomidine-based protocols. Tear production progressively recovered following anesthesia and returned to baseline levels within 24 h in all groups. Intergroup differences were limited, with significant differences detected only at specific observation periods. In conclusion, both ketamine-medetomidine-midazolam and ketamine-dexmedetomidine-midazolam combinations induced transient suppression of lacrimal secretion in gerbils. PRTT appeared to be more sensitive than EAPPT in detecting anesthesia-associated changes in tear production. These findings may contribute to the refinement of anesthetic protocols and perioperative ocular care in gerbils used for experimental and clinical purposes.. |
| Keywords: anesthesia; dexmedetomidine; gerbil; lacrimal secretion; Meriones unguiculatus; tear production. |