Publication:

Accentuation of general anaesthetic activity of ketamine by glutamate NMDA (N-methyl D-aspartate) receptor antagonist

Background The aim of the present study was to evaluate the potentiation of general anaesthetic activity of ketamine by NMDA receptor antagonist ‘amantadine’ in wistar albino rats.

Methods The wistar albino rats of either sex were divided into three groups of five animals in each group. Group I received ketamine 80mg/kg, group II received ketamine 40mg/kg along with amantadine 40mg/kg and group III received ketamine 80mg/kg along with amantadine 40mg/kg to evaluate the potentiation of general anaesthetic effect of ketamine. The sleep latency time and the total sleeping time were measured in all the three groups.

Results The sleep latency time of group III is significantly decreased (p <0.035) and as equal to that of group II when compared to group I. The sleeping time of group III is significantly increased (p <0.001) when compared to group I.

Conclusions Amantadine - the NMDA receptor antagonist potentiates the general anaesthetic activity of ketamine.