Effects of ketamine on canine cardiovascular function

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Pharmacology
• Physiology

Background:

• Understanding ketamine's cardiovascular effects is crucial for its clinical application.
• Left ventricular contractility is a key indicator of cardiac function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the impact of ketamine on left ventricular contractility.
• To investigate the relationship between ketamine dosage and its effects on myocardial function.

Main Methods:

• Eight canine right heart bypass preparations were used.
• Left ventricular contractility was measured using maximum left ventricular dp/dt, ejection fraction, and pressures.
• Measurements were taken before and during peak ketamine effect at constant heart rate and inflow.

Main Results:

• Ketamine significantly decreased myocardial contractility.
• A potential dose-response pattern was observed.
• Ketamine induced mild, sustained, non-dose-dependent vasodilation, influencing its cardiac effects.

Conclusions:

• Ketamine exhibits a small and transient negative inotropic effect.
• Cardiovascular effects of ketamine are partly mediated by changes in arterial pressure.