Der Anaesthesist
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Until recently, only the racemic mixture of ketamine has been used in anaesthesia. Little is known of the central nervous effects of the pharmacologically more potent S(+)-isomer. Information in regard to the putative receptor site involved in the mediation of its anaesthetic/analgesic effect is particularly sparse. ⋯ Hypersynchronisation of the EEG suggests a deep plane of anaesthesia after S(+)-ketamine. The pronounced blockade of impulses in the sensory nervous pathways suggests an efficient analgesic effect that is partly mediated by the opioid-receptor. The respiratory depression may be of importance when S(+)-ketamine is used in high dosages in man.