L-ornithine is a non-proteinogenic amino acid that is part of the urea cycle, a critical metabolic pathway that helps remove ammonia from the body. Produced in the liver from another amino acid, L-arginine, L-ornithine is essential for converting toxic ammonia into urea, which is then excreted through urine. This process is vital for maintaining nitrogen balance and overall metabolic health.
However, despite its advantages, there are also considerations that researchers must keep in mind when using isoflurane anesthesia in mice. One of the primary concerns is the potential for respiratory depression. Isoflurane, like other anesthetic agents, can suppress spontaneous ventilation. Therefore, it is vital to carefully monitor respiratory rates and ensure that the inhaled concentrations are kept within safe parameters to avoid hypoxia.