Ketamine alters behavior and decreases BDNF levels in the rat brain as a function of time after drug administration.

Authors :: Fraga DB
Réus GZ
Abelaira HM
De Luca RD
Canever L
Pfaffenseller B
Colpo GD
Kapczinski F
Quevedo J
Zugno AI
Source :: Revista brasileira de psiquiatria (Sao Paulo, Brazil : 1999) [Braz J Psychiatry] 2013 Jul-Sep; Vol. 35 (3), pp. 262-6.
Publication Year :: 2013
Abstract: Objective: To evaluate behavioral changes and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in rats subjected to ketamine administration (25 mg/kg) for 7 days.<br />Method: Behavioral evaluation was undertaken at 1 and 6 hours after the last injection.<br />Results: We observed hyperlocomotion 1 hour after the last injection and a decrease in locomotion after 6 hours. Immobility time was decreased and climbing time was increased 6 hours after the last injection. BDNF levels were decreased in the prefrontal cortex and amygdala when rats were killed 6 hours after the last injection, compared to the saline group and to rats killed 1 hour after the last injection. BDNF levels in the striatum were decreased in rats killed 6 hours after the last ketamine injection, and BDNF levels in the hippocampus were decreased in the groups that were killed 1 and 6 hours after the last injection.<br />Conclusion: These results suggest that the effects of ketamine on behavior and BDNF levels are related to the time at which they were evaluated after administration of the drug.

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