UC IRVINE INSTITUTIONAL ANIMAL CARE AND USE COMMITTEE
APPENDIX E
USE OF PARALYTIC AGENTS (NEUROMUSCULAR BLOCKING AGENTS)
Complete this appendix and submit it with your IACUC application if the experimental design involves
the use of a paralytic agent (neuromuscular blocking agent) in live animals.
Lead Researcher Name: Type here
Please provide the following information about your project:
1. Identify the paralytic agent(s) and provide a scientific justification for their use:
Type here
2. Indicate which procedure(s) described in the Experimental Design require the use of paralytic
agents and why:
Type here
3. Provide a detailed description of how the paralytic agent will be administered, including the point
in the surgical/experimental procedure at which it is first administered and approximately how
long animals will be under its influence:
Type here
4. Describe the anesthesia regimen that will be used while the animals are under the influence of
the paralytic agent. Indicate how the depth of anesthesia will be assessed prior to administration
of the paralytic agent:
Type here
5. Describe in detail how animals will be monitored for adequate depth of anesthesia while the
paralytic agent is in effect. Provide details regarding supplemental doses of anesthesia if
needed:
Type here
6. Describe how mechanical ventilation will be performed while the paralytic agent is in effect.
Include a description of the equipment used and details of the tidal volume and respiration rate:
Type here
Guidelines for Paralytic Use in Live Animals:
1. A surgical plane of anesthesia must be established and verified prior to administration of the
paralytic agent; this anesthesia level must be maintained during the entire time that the agent is in
effect.
2. Endotracheal intubation and provision for mechanical ventilation must be initiated prior to the
Appendix E 1
administration of the paralytic agent.
3. Use of paralytic/neuromuscular blocking agents should be confined solely to the phase of the
procedure for which they are indicated.
4. During the period of paralysis, multiple physiologic indicators of pain and distress (e.g., heart rate,
blood pressure) must be monitored at least every 15 minutes as appropriate to the species and
recorded in the surgical record. An increase of >20% in any monitored parameter should be
considered indicative of a pain/stress response and additional doses of anesthetic must be
administered. The use of automated monitoring devices, however, cannot substitute for direct
monitoring of the animal by a human observer. A member of the laboratory staff must be present
at all times while paralytic agents are in use.
5. The use of end-tidal carbon dioxide monitoring is strongly recommended to ensure adequate
ventilation.
6. Core temperature and fluid balance must be maintained within normal levels during the period of
paralysis. In the event that animals will be under the influence of the paralytic for long periods of
time (e.g., more than 4-6 hours), a urinary catheter must be placed or the urinary bladder must be
manually voided.
7. Animals must be spontaneously breathing before anesthesia is discontinued. Research personnel
must confirm that animals have fully recovered control of respiration and locomotion at the end of
the experiment, before they are returned to their home cages.
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By checking this box, the Lead Researcher and all research personnel assure that they have
reviewed these guidelines and agree to implement them.
References:
1. NRC. (1996) Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, Washington, DC: National
Academy Press.
2. Appendix D: PHS Policy and Government Principles Regarding the Care and Use of Animals.
Animal Welfare Regulations: USDA 9CFR, 2.31 Section D:IV:C; NRC 1992.
3. NRC. (2003). Guidelines for the Care and Use of Mammals in Neuroscience and Behavioral
Research. Washington, DC: National Academy Press.
4. NIH (1991) Preparation and Maintenance of Higher Mammal During Neuroscience
Experiments: Report of a National Institutes of Health Workshop. Bethesda, MD: NIH/National
Eye Institute.
5. Drummond JC, Todd MM, Saidman LJ. (1996) Use of neuromuscular blocking drugs in
scientific investigations involving animal subjects: The benefit of the doubt goes to the animal.
Anesthesiology. 85: 697-699.
6. Marsch SCU, Studer W. (1999) Guidelines for the use of laboratory animals: what about
neuromuscular blocking agents? Cardiovascular Research 42: 565-566.
7. Mason DE and Brown MI. (1997) Monitoring of anesthesia. D.F.Kohn, S.K. Wixson, WJ White,
GJ Benson (eds), Anesthesia and Analgesia in Laboratory Animals. San Diego: Academic
Press.
Appendix E 2