Ketamine, at low dose, decrease behavioural alterations in epileptic diseases induced by pilocarpine in mice
Authors: Fatma Tannich
Kamel Barhoumi
Ahmed Rejeb
Ouajdi Souilem
Mohamed Aouichri
Journal: International Journal of Neuroscience (2020)
Discipline: NEUROSCIENCE & BEHAVIOR
Keywords: Temporal lobe epilepsy; acute phase; behavioral study; cerebral histology; ketamine
Affiliations: Laboratory of Physiology and Pharmacology, National School of Veterinary Medicine, Sidi Thabet, University of Manouba, Tunisia., Neurophysiology Laboratory and Functional Pathology, Department of Biological Sciences, Sciences Faculty of Tunis, University Campus El-Manar, Tunis, Tunisia., Laboratory of Anatomic Pathology, National School of Veterinary Medicine, Sidi Thabet, University of Manouba, Tunisia., Higher Institute of Nursing Sciences, Tunis, University Campus El-Manar, Tunis, Tunisia.

Abstract:  Objective: The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of low-dose of ketamine, in short-term, on behavioral impairment and acute neuronal death in the cerebral cortex during the acute phase in a model of epileptic mouse induced by pilocarpine.Methods:Ketamine was administrated (10 mg/kg) intraperitoneally, 30 min before pilocarpine injection (100 mg/kg) in the first group. The second group received the same dose of ketamine 30 min after pilocarpine injection. The effect of ketamine on behavioral disorders and cerebral neuronal integrity in epileptic mice was evaluated.Results:Clinical observations and behavioural tests relate a reduction in behavioural dysfunctions in mice treated with ketamine. Interestingly, treatment of mice with low dose of ketamine decreased the clinical symptoms (movements of the vibrios, nods of the head, and movements of the whiskers), especially when administered before epilepsy induction. Furthermore, the administration of ketamine limits oedema in the hippocampus, neuronal degeneration and gliosis in the different cortical layers. These results could be explained by NMDA receptors inhibition by ketamine.Conclusion:Therefore, it appears that ketamine is endowed with a potential neuroprotective effect and can reduce the severity of neurodegeneration, especially when administrated before Status Epilepticus (SE) installation. 

Retracted: No

PubPeer comments:
 Images were duplicated in Figure 2B (Control group) and D (Ketamine group) with slightly different intensity: ![file] , 
 I hope you are fine during these difficult epidemic days. I would like to thank you for your comment; they are very interesting for us. I apologize for the delay in responding to you. I had contacted recently the Int. Journal of Neuroscience to correct these errors by providing new figures. Receive all my best regards. Fatma TANNICH , 
 Correction Accepted author version posted online: 29 Mar 2021, Published online: 22 Apr 2021  Since publication, concerns were raised about Figure 2D in this article as it appeared to be a duplication of Figure 2B. The authors checked and confirmed this was uploaded in error. They have now updated Figure 2D with the correct image as shown below. The authors have also checked all the other figures in the article and confirm these are correct, and have shared the original files for all the images with the editorial office. This correction has not changed the description, interpretation, or the original conclusions of the article. The authors apologize for this error. This article is available both online and in print. The online version has been corrected. , 
 Unfortunately, it appears that there may be an additional image overlap that was not addressed in the correction. 2A and 2G marked with red boxes. *** ![file] , 
 Dear, I would like to thank you for bringing to our attention an image overlap, we have found this to be an unintentional error when identifying photos. In this fact, we took several photos and the selection of images was done randomly. In addition, the images of the control group (C) and the ketamine treated groups (EK) are too identical and the comparison between these groups is quite difficult despite the verification. Thus, we found no differences between the control group and the EK treated group. We confirm that this image overlap did not change the description or the interpretation of the histologic sectional observation. All the original images and the blades are also available in the laboratory and in each case the photos have not been changed or modified. We sincerely apologize for these unintentional image issues that occurred while identifying and uploading photos. Thanks again, sincerely, Best regards. TANNICH ,