How should corvalol be given to rats? - briefly
Corvalol is given to rats by oral gavage of a sterile aqueous solution, generally at 5–10 mg per kilogram of body weight. Dose volume should be limited to 10 ml/kg to prevent gastric irritation.
How should corvalol be given to rats? - in detail
Corvalol administration to laboratory rats requires precise preparation, dosing, and monitoring to ensure reproducible pharmacological effects while complying with animal welfare regulations.
The compound is supplied as a liquid formulation containing phenobarbital, ethyl bromisovalerate, and essential oils. For experimental use, dilute the preparation with sterile physiological saline or an appropriate vehicle to achieve the target concentration. Typical final concentrations range from 0.5 mg kg⁻¹ to 5 mg kg⁻¹ phenobarbital equivalents, depending on the study design and desired sedative intensity.
Key procedural steps
- Calculate dose – Determine the animal’s body weight (g) and apply the selected mg kg⁻¹ dose to obtain the required amount of corvalol (µL).
- Prepare dosing solution – Mix the calculated volume of corvalol with sterile saline to reach a total injection volume of 0.2–0.5 mL per 100 g body weight, a range that prevents excessive gastric distension.
- Select administration route – Intraperitoneal injection is preferred for rapid systemic absorption; subcutaneous injection can be used when a slower onset is required. Oral gavage is acceptable for studies focusing on gastrointestinal absorption, but ensure the animal is restrained gently to avoid aspiration.
- Perform injection – Use a 26–30 G needle. For intraperitoneal delivery, insert the needle at a 45° angle into the lower right quadrant of the abdomen, avoiding visceral organs. Confirm proper placement by aspirating a small amount of clear fluid before delivering the dose.
- Observe post‑administration – Monitor respiration, motor activity, and reflexes for at least 30 minutes. Record onset time, peak sedation, and recovery duration. If adverse reactions such as excessive respiratory depression occur, be prepared to administer supportive care (e.g., oxygen, warmed saline).
Safety and ethical considerations
- Conduct all procedures under an approved Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) protocol.
- Use aseptic technique to prevent infection.
- Limit the total volume per administration to ≤10 mL kg⁻¹ to avoid physiological stress.
- Document each dose, route, and observed effect in a laboratory notebook or electronic data capture system.
By adhering to these detailed guidelines, researchers can achieve consistent corvalol delivery in rats, facilitating reliable interpretation of pharmacodynamic and toxicological outcomes.