Best euthanasia method for RNA-Seq in a reptile

[sjkimble]

Dear List:

I am interested in harvesting RNA from internal turtle organs for RNA-Seq and MHC characterization. I need a method of euthanasia least likely to affect RNA expression. My IACUC tells me I can either use 1.) Beuthanasia, 2.) ketamine and isoflurane before decapitation and pithing, or 3.) intracoelomic injection of MS-222. Does anyone have any experience with this and could make recommendations? The target loci are MHC but we would like to minimize effects on all transcripts.

Thanks,
Steve