Immunomodulator effect of ketamine on rat models of sepsis (fecal induced peritonitis): Eosinophil and monocyte modulation

Background & Objective: Sepsis is a result of dysregulated inflammation and it affects the inflammatory mediator cell production. Ketamine has an immunomodulatory effect and it can be used in the sepsis immunotherapy. We conducted this study to determine the effect of ketamine on the number of eosinophils and monocytes in the rat model of sepsis. Methodology: This research was a true animal experiment using 30 white rats (Rattus norvegicus), which were divided into six groups. Control negative group (NC) were not treated and the control positive group (PC) were the sepsis groups. Sepsis was produced by fecal induced peritonitis (FIP). Animals in the four treatment groups (A, B, C, and D) received intraperitoneal (IP) ketamine at 5 mg/kg body weight at different single hours (0, 3, 5 hours) and intermittently (every 2 hours), respectively, after receiving FIP. The eosinophil and monocyte counts were obtained 6 hours after FIP. The data were analyzed using One-Way ANOVA and Tukey HSD statistical test using SPSS software version 16.0 (p < 0.05). Results: Sepsis significantly decreased the number of eosinophils but increased monocyte production. Ketamine treatment right after FIP (Group A) prevents the reduction of eosinophils in the sepsis group (p < 0.05) from 8 cells to 66 cells. Ketamine treatment in sepsis groups (Group A, B, and D) significantly reduced the monocyte production to close to normal (equivalent to NC group). Conclusion: Sepsis significantly reduces the number of eosinophils and increases monocyte production in the rat models of sepsis. Ketamine, given soon enough after onset of sepsis helps to prevent the sepsis-induced changes in eosinophil and monocyte counts.