Effect of Xylazine–Tiletamine–Zolazepam on the Local Field Potential of the Rat Olfactory Bulb

Abstract

Neural oscillations of the mammalian olfactory system have been studied for decades. This research suggests they are linked to various processes involved in odor information analysis, depending on the vigilance state and presentation of stimuli. In addition, the effects of various anesthetics, including commonly used ones like chloral hydrate, pentobarbital, ketamine, and urethane, on the local field potential (LFP) in the olfactory bulb (OB) have been studied. In particular, the combination of xylazine and tiletamine–zolazepam has been shown to produce steady anesthesia for an extended period and relatively few adverse effects; however, their effects on the LFP in the OB remain unknown. To study those effects, we recorded the LFP in the OB of rats under xylazine–tiletamine–zolazepam anesthesia. During the period of anesthesia, the spectral powers of the 1–4, 9–16, 31–64, 65–90 frequency bands increased significantly, and that of 91–170 Hz frequency band decreased significantly, whereas no significant changes were observed in the 5–8 and 17–30 Hz ranges. These results reveal dynamic changes in the time and frequency characteristics of the LFP in the OB of rats under xylazine–tiletamine– zolazepam anesthesia and suggest that this combination of anesthetics could be used for studying oscillatory processes in the OB of rats.