Change in Hemoglobin Levels due to Anesthesia in Mice: An Important Confounder in Studies on Hematopoietic Drugs
2009

Impact of Anesthesia on Hemoglobin Levels in Mice

Sample size: 12 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Anita Gothelf, Pernille Hojman, Julie Gehl

Primary Institution: Copenhagen University Hospital Herlev

Hypothesis

Does anesthesia with fentanyl/fluniasone and midazolam influence hemoglobin measurements in mice?

Conclusion

Anesthesia significantly decreases hemoglobin levels in mice, which should be considered in studies measuring hemoglobin.

Supporting Evidence

  • Anesthesia with fentanyl/fluniasone and midazolam significantly decreased hemoglobin levels in mice.
  • The mean hemoglobin level dropped from 9.9 mmol/L to 8.7 mmol/L after anesthesia.
  • The decrease in hemoglobin levels lasted for more than 30 minutes after anesthesia.

Takeaway

When mice are put to sleep for experiments, their blood can show lower hemoglobin levels, which can confuse the results.

Methodology

A cross-over study comparing hemoglobin levels in anesthetized versus non-anesthetized mice.

Potential Biases

Potential bias from the effects of anesthesia on hemoglobin levels.

Limitations

The study may be affected by the physiological changes due to repeated blood sampling.

Participant Demographics

Female NMRI mice, 15 weeks old.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p < 0.001

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1007/s12575-009-9018-8

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