Ketamine Analog Methoxetamine Induced Inflammation and Dysfunction of Bladder in Rats
International Journal of Molecular Sciences January 18, 2017 Qiang Wang, Qinghui Wu, Junpeng Wang et al.
Long-term methoxetamine, a ketamine analog used recreationally, causes bladder dysfunction and inflammation in rats. Female rats injected daily with 30 mg/kg methoxetamine or ketamine for 4 or 12 weeks showed increased urination frequency, damaged bladder lining, inflammatory cell infiltration, and fibrosis. Treated rats had elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and markers of fibrosis. Methoxetamine also directly damaged human urothelial cells and increased inflammatory signals. The findings suggest methoxetamine's bladder effects resemble ketamine-induced cystitis.