The effects of ketamine and thiopental used alone or in combination on the brain, heart, and bronchial tissues of rats

INTRODUCTION: We compared the side effects of ketamine and thiopental used alone and of a ketamine/thiopental combination dose on the brain,heart, and bronchial tissues of rats. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Three groups received intraperitoneal injections of 30 mg/kg ketamine (K-30); 15 mg/kg thiopental (T-15); or of both in combination (KTSA). These doses were doubled in another set of study groups (K-60, T-30, and KTA groups, respectively). Optimal anesthesia duration was examined in all groups. CONCLUSIONS: The studied doses of ketamine led to oxidative stress by increasing the amount of adrenaline. Thiopental increased oxidative stress with decreases in adrenaline. A longer anesthetic effect with minimal adverse events may be achieved by ketamine and thiopental in combination.