Sub-Anesthetic Dose of Ketamine Improves Cognitive Function and Motor Responses in Wistar Rats
Precious Ojo Uahomo
Department of Biomedical Technology, School of Science Laboratory Technology, University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.
Victor Tamunotonye Ibubeleye
*
Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences, University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.
Chidi Emmanuel Ezerioha
Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences, University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.
Oghenefego Michael Adheke
Department of Human Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: The cognitive and motor effects of sub-anesthetic doses of ketamine remain controversial. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of ketamine administration under anesthesia on cognitive function and motor responses in Wistar rats.
Methods: Twenty-five Wistar rats were randomized into five groups of five rats each (n=5): group 1 (normal control), group 2 (1mg/kg ketamine), group 3 (2mg/kg ketamine), group 4 (3mg/kg ketamine) and group 5 (0.5ml/100g celecoxib). Treatment for each group lasted 3 weeks. Rats from each group were subjected to a total of nine (9) trials of cognitive-motor tests, including; the Barnes maze test (memory based on visual scenes), hand grip test (motor response to foreleg strength), rotarod test (coordination ability). The neurobehavioral ability displayed by the animals was recorded and analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA).
Results: Observations from the cognitive function study showed a significant improvement (p<0.05) from week 1 to week 3. The quality of motor task performance also improved from week 1 to week 3 compared to control and celecoxib-treated groups.
Conclusions: Sub-anesthetic doses of ketamine improved cognitive function and motor responses in Wistar rats.
Keywords: Ketamine, cognitive function, motor responses, chronic administration, sub-anesthetic