Cellular consequences triggered by ketamine on exposure to human glioblastoma epithelial (LN‐229) cells

Abstract

AbstractKetamine is generally a noncompetitive N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist that interrelates with various other receptors, contributing to a wide range of actions. They are mainly approved as a general anesthetic, but a low dose of ketamine is applied for pain management, depression, and as analgesics. However, there is a significant concern regarding the long‐term usage as antidepressants and as an abused drug. The study mainly aims to exhibit the possible long‐term side effects of ketamine as an antidepressant and in recreational users. The study explores the in vitro cytotoxicity revealed on LN‐229 cells in a dose‐dependent manner. According to the cell viability assays, there is a dose‐dependent response toward ketamine. Morphological and nuclear integrity was changed on exposure and assessed using Giemsa, Rhodamine phalloidin, 4’,6‐diamidino‐2‐phenylindole (DAPI), and Acridine orange staining. The apoptotic cell death marked by nuclear condensation, Lactate dehydrogenase leakage, pro‐inflammatory cytokine (interleukin [IL]‐β) release, and inhibition of cell migration was observed. The study highlights the importance of nonanesthetic usage of ketamine, which can lead to severe adverse side effects on long‐term exposure rather than a single exposure as an anesthetic agent.