Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 29, 2026
Induction of Myocardial Infarction and Myocardial Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in Mice
Published on: January 19, 2022
Cardiotoxicity induced in mice by long term ketamine and ketamine plus alcohol treatment
W M Chan1, Y Liang, Maria S M Wai
1Brain Research Centre, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong, China.
Abstract:
Increased use of ketamine as a recreational drug in rave party has raised lots of social concerns. Although its toxicity on the central nervous system (CNS) and urinary system had been reported, its potential adverse effects on the heart is still not addressed. Using our long term ketamine addiction model in which, 1-month-old ICR mice were given ketamine intraperitoneally (i.p. 30 mg/kg) for different study periods (6 weeks, 16 weeks and 28 weeks). The electrocardiogram (ECG) and the level of troponin as well as the presence of lactate dehydrogenase were used together to determine the cardiac function of mice. ST elevations were observed in 30% of mice from 6 weeks onwards. Concomitant increase in troponin in serum and presence of lactate dehydrogenase positive cardiac cells were taken together to indicate cardiac damages. The potential interactive effects of alcohol (ethanol) and ketamine were also addressed and 0.5 ml of 10% ethanol was administrated additionally to the mice daily and orally for the last 4 weeks in the 28-week long-term ketamine treated animals. The cardiac functions of these mice deteriorated more severely as indicated by further rise in troponin levels. In addition, high number of lactate dehydrogenase positive cardiac cells and abnormal ECGs in both ketamine and ketamine plus alcohol treated models also gave coherent conclusions.
Insights
Recreational ketamine use can cause significant cardiac damage, indicated by ECG abnormalities and elevated cardiac biomarkers. Combining ketamine with alcohol exacerbates these heart problems in animal models.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Toxicology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Ketamine is increasingly used recreationally, raising social concerns.
- While ketamine's effects on the central nervous and urinary systems are known, cardiac toxicity remains understudied.
- This study investigates the cardiac adverse effects of long-term ketamine use.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the impact of chronic ketamine administration on cardiac function in mice.
- To evaluate the combined effects of ketamine and alcohol on the heart.
- To identify cardiac damage biomarkers associated with ketamine exposure.
Main Methods:
- A long-term ketamine addiction mouse model was established (30 mg/kg i.p. for 6, 16, and 28 weeks).
- Cardiac function was assessed using electrocardiograms (ECG) and measuring serum troponin and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels.
- The interactive effects of ketamine and alcohol (ethanol) were studied in the 28-week group.
Main Results:
- ST elevations were observed in 30% of mice from 6 weeks onwards.
- Increased serum troponin and positive cardiac cells for LDH indicated cardiac damage.
- Combined ketamine and alcohol administration led to more severe cardiac function deterioration, with higher troponin levels and abnormal ECGs.
Conclusions:
- Long-term ketamine use induces cardiac damage, evidenced by ECG changes and elevated cardiac biomarkers.
- Co-administration of alcohol with ketamine significantly worsens cardiac toxicity.
- This research highlights the potential cardiovascular risks associated with recreational ketamine abuse.
