Oral ketamine induced pathological changes of the urinary tract in a rat model
- Author:
Retnagowri Rajandram
;
Ning Yi Yap
;
Teng Aik Ong
;
Azad H. A. Razack
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
ketamine, inflammation, kidney, bladder, rat
- From:The Malaysian Journal of Pathology
2017;39(1):47-53
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
In recent years, prolonged ketamine abuse has been reported to cause urinary tract
damage. However, there is little information on the pathological effects of ketamine from oral
administration. We aimed to study the effects of oral ketamine on the urinary tract and the reversibility
of these changes after cessation of ketamine intake. Methods: Rats were fed with illicit (a concoction
of street ketamine) ketamine in doses of 100 (N=12), or 300 mg/kg (N=12) for four weeks. Half
of the rats were sacrificed after the 4-week feeding for necropsy. The remaining rats were taken
off ketamine for 8 weeks to allow for any potential recovery of pathological changes before being
sacrificed for necropsy. Histopathological examination was performed on the kidney and urinary
bladder. Results: Submucosal bladder inflammation was seen in 67% of the rats fed with 300 mg/kg
illicit ketamine. No bladder inflammation was observed in the control and 100 mg/kg illicit ketamine
groups. Renal changes, such as interstitial nephritis and papillary necrosis, were observed in rats
given illicit ketamine. After ketamine cessation, no inflammation was observed in the bladder of all
rats. However, renal inflammation remained in 60% of the rats given illicit ketamine. No dose-effect
relationship was established between oral ketamine and changes in the kidneys. Conclusion: Oral
ketamine caused pathological changes in the urinary tract, similar to that described in exposure to
parenteral ketamine. The changes in the urinary bladder were reversible after short-term exposure.
- Full text:P020170515578980561443.pdf
