Objective: To evaluate the effects of three doses of L-659'066 (MK-467) on the bispectral index (BIS) and clinical sedation in dexmedetomidine-sedated Beagles.
Study design: Randomized, experimental cross over study.
Animals: Eight purpose-bred healthy laboratory Beagles.
Methods: Dexmedetomidine (10 μg kg(-1) IV [DEX]) was administered alone or in combination with three doses of L-659'066 (250 μg kg(-1) [DL250]; 500 μg kg(-1) [DL500] and 750 μg kg(-1) [DL750] IV) in the same syringe in a randomized crossover manner. The bispectral index (BIS), electromyography (EMG) and sedation score were recorded at baseline and 5, 10, 20, 30, 45 and 60 minutes after treatment.
Results: When compared to DEX, BIS and EMG were significantly higher and the sedation score significantly lower with DL500 and DL750. With DEX, BIS was significantly decreased at times 20, 30 and 60 minutes whereas the sedation scores were significantly increased at all time points after drug administration in all groups. Bioequivalence for clinical sedation was detected between DEX and all doses of L-659'066, reaching European Medicines Agency (EMA) standards.
Conclusions and clinical relevance: Although L-659'066 interfered with dexmedetomidine induced sedation, the degree of the reduction was not clinically relevant. Despite performing better when dexmedetomidine was used alone, BIS did not reflect the clinical sedative status when the antagonist was added.
© 2011 The Authors. Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia. © 2011 Association of Veterinary Anaesthetists and the American College of Veterinary Anesthesiologists.