Free Access
Issue
Vet. Res.
Volume 36, Number 2, March-April 2005
Page(s) 257 - 262
DOI https://doi.org/10.1051/vetres:2004061
How to cite this article Vet. Res. (2005) 257-262
Vet. Res. 36 (2005) 257-262
DOI: 10.1051/vetres:2004061

Ketamine inhibits LPS-induced tumour necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-6 in an equine macrophage cell line

Daniëlle P.K. Lankvelda, Sarah Bullb, Paul Van Dijka, Johanna Fink-Gremmelsb and Ludo J. Hellebrekersa

a  Section Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 12, 3584 CM, Utrecht, The Netherlands
b  Department of Veterinary Pharmacology Pharmacy and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 16, 3584 CM, Utrecht, The Netherlands

(Received 24 May 2004; accepted 5 October 2004)

Abstract - Ketamine is widely used in equine anaesthesia. Beside its anaesthetic and analgesic properties, ketamine possesses a cytokine-modulating activity. However, to date, no data are available regarding the inhibitory effect of ketamine on the cytokine response in horses. In horses, cytokines such as tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF- $\alpha$) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of equine endotoxaemia following gastrointestinal disorders. Hence, the objective of this study was to assess the influence of ketamine on LPS-induced TNF- $\alpha$ and IL-6 formation in an equine macrophage cell line (eCAS cells). The results demonstrate a cytokine-modulating activity of ketamine in an equine cell line, suggesting a beneficial role for ketamine in the treatment of equine endotoxaemia.


Key words: ketamine / cytokine / equine endotoxaemia / eCAS

Corresponding author: Daniëlle P.K. Lankveld D.P.K.Lankveld@vet.uu.nl

© INRA, EDP Sciences 2005