Teratogenic effect of ketamine and cocaine in CF-1 mice

Pregnant CF-1 mice were used to study the teratogenic effect of ketamine an d cocaine, alone and in combination. The dose of ketamine was 50 mg/kg and that of cocaine was 20 mg/kg, given int-ravenously (tail) once daily (these doses of ketamine and cocaine are comparable to doses used by addicted hum ans). Treatment was started from day 6 to day 15 of gestation, and dams wer e sacrificed on day 18. There were significant decreases in the fetal weigh t and length in the combined group. Skeletal defects such as incomplete oss ification of skull bones and vertebrae were observed in both the cocaine an d combined group, compared with the control. An increased frequency of cere bral and abdominal hemorrhages as well as hydrocephalus and hydronephrosis was observed in the combined group. This study showed that fetal exposure t o ketamine and cocaine in combination was more teratogenic than each drug a lone in CF-1 mice. (C) 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.