Effects of repetıtıve ketamıne admınıstratıon on learnıng and memory skılls of newborn rats

Aim: N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor blockers results in a dose related increase in apoptotic neurodegeneration in the developing rat brain. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of ketamine on learning and memory of newborn (7 days old) rats. Material and methods: Seven days old rats were administered 10 mg/kg ketamine Group 1 (G1, n=7) , 20 mg/kg ketamine Group 2 (G2, n=7) and 10 µcL/gr %0,9 NaCl Group control (GK, n=7) using six injections subcutaneously at two hour intervals and divided into three groups in the study. The rats in all groups were looked after in standardized conditions in the Animal Experimental Laboratory for two weeks. Then they were transported to the Phphysiology Laboratory and looked after in standardized conditions. Learning and memory tests were carried out using Morris Water Maze test at the end of the third week of the drug injections. Results: When we evaluated the results of learning and memory tests, we found that platform finding times were similar in all groups in the learning tests performed on the first four days (p>0.05). In probe trial which was performed at the fifth day, target quadrant staying times were also similar in all groups. However, thigmotaxis behaviour which determines anxiety levels of rats was more significant in G1 than GK (p<0.002). Conclusion: Ketamine does not effect memory and learning tests in newborn rats when administered six times subcutaneously with two hour intervals repetetively via doses of 10 mg/kg or 20 mg/kg.