Title:Effects of the Recurrent and Different Doses of Ketamine Exposure on
Anxiety-like Behaviors and Locomotor Activity in Juvenile Rats
Volume: 19
Issue: 14
Author(s): Ayse Hande Arpacı*, Hasan Çalıskan, Emel Gunes and Berrin Işık
Affiliation:
- Anesthesiology and Reanimation Specialist, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry, Ankara
University, Ankara, Turkey
Keywords:
Anxiety, ketamine, locomotor activity, memory, rat, spatial navigation.
Abstract:
Background: Ketamine is a widely used anesthetic agent. Although the potential adverse
effects of ketamine use in juvenile age are uncertain, certain studies reported that children exposed to
recurrent anesthesia could face an increased risk of neurodevelopmental deficits in motor function and
behavioral risks. We aimed to investigate the long-term effects of repeated exposure to various ketamine
doses on anxious behavior and locomotor activity in juvenile rats.
Objective: We aimed to investigate the long-term effects of repeated exposure to various ketamine
doses on anxious behavior and locomotor activity in juvenile rats.
Methods: Thirty-two Wistar Albino juvenile male rats were randomized into 5 mg/kg, 20 mg/kg, and
50 mg/kg ketamine (KET) and saline (Group C) Groups and KET was administered for 3 consecutive
days at 3-hour intervals in 3 doses. Ten days after the last KET dose, behavioral parameters were analyzed
with an open field test (OFT), elevated plus maze (EPM), and light-dark box (LDB). Satistical
analysis was conducted with Kruskall-Wallis test followed by Dunn's Multiple Comparison Test.
Results: Unsupported rearing behavior decreased in 50 mg/kg KET Groups when compared to Group
C. Incorrect transition time, total grooming time, and transfer latency time increased significantly in
the 50 mg/kg KET Group when compared to Group C.
Conclusion: These results suggested that 50 mg/kg KET led to anxiety-like behavior and destroyed
memory and spatial navigation. Ketamine doses were associated with late effects of ketamine on anxiety-
like behavior in juvenile rats. Further studies are needed to determine the mechanisms that play a
role in the different effects of ketamine doses on anxiety and memory.
