The Effect of Ketamine, Xylazine, and Ketamine/Xylazine Administration on SCN5A (Nav1.5) Gene Expression in Pigeons

BACKGROUND OBJECTIVE: Voltage-gated sodium channels, particularly Nav1.5 encoded by the SCN5A gene, play essential roles in neuronal conduction and cardiac function. Given the widespread use of anaesthetic agents such as ketamine and xylazine in animal studies, this study aimed to evaluate their effects on SCN5A gene expression in pigeon heart tissue. METHODS: A total of 20 healthy male and female pigeons (Columba livia) were examined, weighing between 300 and 400 g and aged 6 to 24 months. The birds were randomly divided into four groups of 5, including a control group received normal saline solution (0.9%) at a dose of 1 mL/kg (IM) (group 1), ketamine (60 mg/kg, IM) (group 2), xylazine (16 mg/kg, IM) (group 3), and a combination of ketamine (30 mg/kg, IM) and xylazine (8 mg/kg, IM) (group 4). To study the expression level of the SCN5A gene in pigeon heart tissue, total RNA was first extracted from the tissue samples. Then, the extracted RNA was converted to cDNA, and using quantitative PCR reaction (RT-qPCR) and specific primers, the expression level of the target gene was measured quantitatively and accurately. The obtained data were analysed and compared using the relative method (ΔCt). RESULTS: The melting curve analysis revealed a single, sharp peak at approximately 85°C, with no secondary peaks or shoulders, indicating specific amplification and the absence of primer-dimer or non-specific products. The primer efficiency was determined using a standard curve generated from serial dilutions of cDNA. The slope was -3.01, and the amplification efficiency was calculated as 98.89%, which falls within the acceptable range (90%-110%), confirming high PCR efficiency and the absence of inhibitors. The statistical analysis showed no significant difference in SCN5A gene expression between the treatment groups. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, ketamine, xylazine, and ketamine/xylazine administration did not result in a statistically significant difference in SCN5A expression under the specific experimental conditions tested. Nonetheless, the observed trends warrant further investigation in larger studies or in other target tissues.