In elderly patients undergoing laparoscopic prostate cancer surgery, adding intravenous esketamine to conventional anesthesia was associated with reduced need for other anesthetics (remifentanil, propofol, and muscle relaxants), better hemodynamic stability (higher heart rate and blood pressure just after intubation, lower values one hour into surgery), slightly longer awakening time but less agitation and severe coughing, shorter postanesthesia care unit stays, lower pain scores immediately and at 6 and 24 hours after surgery, higher scores on a mental status exam at 1 and 7 days postoperatively, and a lower incidence of postoperative cognitive dysfunction. The only adverse event that differed was more mild drowsiness in the esketamine group. The findings suggest esketamine may benefit recovery and cognitive outcomes in this population.
THC, the intoxicating component of cannabis, activates CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors in the brain and body, affecting numerous physiological processes. The endocannabinoid system's functions change across the lifespan, with adolescence being a period of particular sensitivity. This article describes a protocol for preparing and administering THC to adolescent and young adult mice of both sexes via intraperitoneal injection at doses of 1, 5, and 10 mg/kg. The protocol illustrates THC's well-known effects: catalepsy, reduced locomotor activity, and suppressed nociception. Procedures for legally obtaining and storing THC in compliance with U.S. regulations are also outlined.