Effects of various anesthetic protocols on 18F-flurodeoxyglucose uptake into the brains and hearts of normal miniature pigs (Sus scrofa domestica).

This study used positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) to evaluate the effects of 4 anesthetic protocols on 2-deoxy-2-[18F]-fluoro-D-glucose (18F-FDG) accumulation in the brains and hearts of miniature pigs (Sus scrofa domestica). The 18F-FDG standard uptake value was quantified by dividing the brain into 6 regions: cerebellum, brainstem, and frontal, parietal, temporal, and occipital lobes. Five (2 female and 3 male) clinically normal miniature pigs were premedicated with medetomidine (200 μg/kg IM) after which the following 4 anesthetic protocols were administered by using a crossover design: 1) propofol (4 mg/kg IV)-isoflurane inhalation; 2) propofol (4 mg/kg IV); 3) ketamine (5 mg/kg IV); 4) tiletamine-zolazepam (4.4 mg/kg IM). Compared with levels after other protocols, brain accumulation of 18F-FDG increased during propofol anesthesia but decreased with tiletamine-zolazepam. Relative to that due to other protocols, heart accumulation of 18F-FDG increased with propofol-isoflurane anesthesia but decreased with tiletamine-zolazepam. Comparing glucose accumulation in the brain and heart of miniature pigs by using PET-CT, we found that glucose accumulation varied according to the anesthetic protocol and between the 2 organs. These results can be used to evaluate how different anesthetic agents affect glucose metabolism in brain and heart of miniature pigs. Furthermore, these data should be considered when selecting an anesthetic agent for miniature pigs that will undergo PET-CT imaging with 18F-FDG.