Ketamine's Role in Neuroinflammation and Neuroprotection Across Neurological and Psychiatric Disorders: A Narrative Review.
Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland) August 29, 2025 Gustavo N Silva, Virna G A Brandão, Kenneth Blum et al. 7 citations
Ketamine, an anesthetic, may protect the brain and reduce inflammation by blocking NMDA receptors, decreasing microglial activation, and lowering cytokines TNF and IL-6. A narrative review of existing literature suggests ketamine reduces excitotoxicity and inflammation, potentially contributing to neuroprotection in acute neurological injuries. The review underscores ketamine's potential as an adjunctive neuroprotective agent, warranting further clinical investigation to optimize its therapeutic use across neurological and psychiatric conditions.