General anesthesia dissociates discrete components of ketamine neurophysiology

Ketamine produces dissociative, analgesic, and antidepressant effects, but it is unclear whether its underlying neurophysiological signatures can be separated. In this observational cohort study, 52 participants (healthy volunteers, elective surgery patients, and patients with depression) received a subanesthetic infusion of ketamine or placebo, with or without general anesthesia. When ketamine was given under general anesthesia, its characteristic low-frequency brain wave augmentation was absent, while high-frequency power modulation was preserved. This selective modulation suggests a method for investigating the distinct roles of high- and low-frequency neural activity in ketamine's behavioral effects.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Structured Abstract Importance Ketamine has well known dissociative, analgesic, and antidepressant properties, but it is unknown whether the neurophysiologic effects that are associated with these properties can be modulated separately from one another. Given prior studies that link specific cortical oscillations with specific therapeutic effects, it is likely that modulating selective aspects of ketamine neurophysiology can inform efforts to develop more targeted therapies. Objective To determine how the neurophysiologic signatures of ketamine are influenced by removal of conscious awareness using general anesthesia. Design Observational cohort study from trials spanning 2017 to 2023. Setting Multicenter study using data from two study cohorts (U-Michigan and Stanford) and supplementary analysis of a third cohort (U-Auckland). Participants 52 participants in primary analysis and 27 additional participants in supplementary analyses. Study cohorts included healthy volunteers, patients undergoing elective surgery, and patients with a diagnosis of depression. Intervention Participants received a subanesthetic infusion of ketamine (0.5 mg/kg) or placebo with or without general anesthesia (GA). Main Outcome and Measure Changes in electroencephalographic (EEG) band power during medication infusion. Results GA differentially alters EEG features commonly associated with ketamine. In comparison to awake administration, ketamine during GA preserves its high-frequency power modulation but lacks its characteristic low-frequency augmentation. Conclusions and Relevance Co-administration of ketamine with GA selectively modulates the high- and low-frequency neurophysiological correlates of ketamine, suggesting a method to explore these components’ role in ketamine’s behavioral effects.