College: School of Pharmacy, University of Otago, New Zealand
Thesis title: Formulation of anaesthetics in laboratory animals
Co-supervisor: Dr Natalie Medlicott (School of Pharmacy, University of Otago)
Project outline: Tribromoethanol (Avertin) is an anaesthetic commonly used in laboratory animals such as rodents. However, recent reports have shown an unacceptably high rate of morbidity and mortality associated with the use of this agent. This needs to be addressed as it increases the pain and suffering of the test animals and may affect the results of research where tribromoethanol is used.
I will look at formulation, route of administration and PK/PD relationships of tribromoethanol and other anaesthetic and analgesic agents in an attempt to improve the outcome when administered to laboratory animals.