College
Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences
Date of Last Revision
2026-05-28 08:03:06
Major
Biology
Honors Course
Research Project Proposal
Number of Credits
4
Degree Name
Bachelor of Science
Date of Expected Graduation
Spring 2026
Abstract
The current honors research project will focus on the current use of carbon dioxide (CO2) as a means of euthanizing laboratory mice. CO2 is commonly used as a means of euthanizing laboratory animals and has been a standard of practice for mamy years. it is regarded as fast, painless, and efficient in overwhelming the respiratory control centers of the brainstem and resulting in respiratory depression and death. However, there continues to be debate and ongoing research regarding the 'humaneness' of this approach to euthanasia, and the American Veterinary Medicine Association (AVMA) suggests the inclusion of isoflurane (a volatile anesthetic) as part of a euthanasia protocol in laboratory rodents. Other researchers here at the University of Akron (e.g., the laboratory of Dr. Bagatto) have investigated different aspects of the euthanasia process utilizing different gasses (e.g., nitrogen) and pharmacological additions (e.g., CBD); my research is hoped to add to this program of research by further identifying the behavioral outcomes associated with the use of CO2 alone comapred with CO2 + isoflurane as part of a euthanasia protocol.
Research Sponsor
Kevin P. Kaut
First Reader
Phil Allen
Second Reader
Nikolina Kravljaca
Honors Faculty Advisor
Kevin P. Kaut
Proprietary and/or Confidential Information
No
Recommended Citation
Corley, Jaiden L., "Methods of Euthanasia in Laboratory Animals" (2026). Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects. 2244.
https://ideaexchange.uakron.edu/honors_research_projects/2244