[Protective effects of ketamine on allergen-induced airway inflammatory injure and high airway reactivity in asthma: experiment with rats].

Objective: To observe the effects of ketamine on bronchial hyperresponsiveness and airway inflammation in equal asthma.

Methods: 56 Brown-Norway rats were randomly assigned to seven groups: negative control group (Group A), asthma model group (Group B) and inhalation groups with nebulized ketamine at different concentrations (Group C, D, E) and intraperitoneal injection groups with ketamine at different doses (Group F, G). The rats were sensitized by injection of ovalbumin (OVA) together with aluminum hydroxide and Bordetella pertussis as adjuvants, then challenged by repeated intermittent (thrice weekly) exposure to aerosolized OVA for two weeks.

Effects of nebulized ketamine on allergen-induced airway hyperresponsiveness and inflammation in actively sensitized Brown-Norway rats.

Since airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) and allergic inflammatory changes are regarded as the primary manifestations of asthma, the main goals of asthma treatment are to decrease inflammation and maximize bronchodilation. These goals can be achieved with aerosol therapy. Intravenous administration of the anesthetic, ketamine, has been shown to trigger bronchial smooth muscle relaxation.