All experiments were performed in vivo. Ethical approval
was obtained from The University of Auckland Animal Ethics Committee and the
International Guiding Principles for Biomedical Research Involving Animals were
followed. Sixteen white cross-breed weaner pigs were employed, of either sex and
of mean weight 36.7 ± 0.5 kg. The pigs were fasted then subjected to
general anesthesia that was induced with Zoletil (Tiletamine HCl 50 mg
mL−1 and Zolazepam HCl 50 mg mL−1),
and maintained with Isoflurane (2.5–5% with an oxygen flow of
400 mL within a closed circuit anesthetic system). A possible alternative
regimen of remifentanil/propofol has been found to be associated with pyloric
spasm in pigs and therefore was not considered.6 (link)A femoral artery was cannulated and vital signs were continuously
monitored including heart rate and blood pressure. Rectal and intra-abdominal
temperatures were also monitored, and these were kept in the normal
physiological range (38.5–39.5 °C) by continuous use of a
heating pad and the additional use of a heat lamp when necessary. A midline or
bilateral subcostal laparotomy was performed depending on the gastric region of
experimental interest, the latter incision being more suitable for
investigations of the proximal stomach. At the conclusion of the experiments,
the animals were euthanized with a bolus injection of 50 mL of magnesium sulfate
while still under anesthesia.
was obtained from The University of Auckland Animal Ethics Committee and the
International Guiding Principles for Biomedical Research Involving Animals were
followed. Sixteen white cross-breed weaner pigs were employed, of either sex and
of mean weight 36.7 ± 0.5 kg. The pigs were fasted then subjected to
general anesthesia that was induced with Zoletil (Tiletamine HCl 50 mg
mL−1 and Zolazepam HCl 50 mg mL−1),
and maintained with Isoflurane (2.5–5% with an oxygen flow of
400 mL within a closed circuit anesthetic system). A possible alternative
regimen of remifentanil/propofol has been found to be associated with pyloric
spasm in pigs and therefore was not considered.6 (link)A femoral artery was cannulated and vital signs were continuously
monitored including heart rate and blood pressure. Rectal and intra-abdominal
temperatures were also monitored, and these were kept in the normal
physiological range (38.5–39.5 °C) by continuous use of a
heating pad and the additional use of a heat lamp when necessary. A midline or
bilateral subcostal laparotomy was performed depending on the gastric region of
experimental interest, the latter incision being more suitable for
investigations of the proximal stomach. At the conclusion of the experiments,
the animals were euthanized with a bolus injection of 50 mL of magnesium sulfate
while still under anesthesia.