Sub-Anesthetic Dose of Ketamine Improves Cognitive Function and Motor Responses in Wistar Rats

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.