In a recent study conducted by scientists at the University of Cambridge, new light has been shed on how the drug ketamine affects the brain.
Ketamine, commonly used as an anesthetic and for pain relief, has long been associated with powerful side effects, including out-of-body experiences and a state of deep oblivion.
By studying the brain activity of sheep under the influence of ketamine, researchers have uncovered two key brain phenomena that may help explain these unusual effects.
The study involved monitoring the brain waves of sheep using a technique called electroencephalography (EEG). This method allowed the researchers to observe real-time changes in brain activity as the sheep were sedated with ketamine.
What they found was striking: as soon as the drug was administered, the brain waves of the sedated sheep were dominated by low-frequency activity, typical of a deep sleep state.
However, when the ketamine began to wear off and the sheep started to regain consciousness, their brain activity became highly irregular.
The EEG readings showed a surprising switch between high and low-frequency oscillations, which at first appeared chaotic but gradually became more regular over the course of a few minutes.
This unusual pattern of brain waves occurred at the same time that, in humans, would correspond to the period when ketamine users report feeling as though their mind has become detached from their body.
These findings suggest that the brain oscillations triggered by ketamine may interfere with how the brain processes information from the outside world.
This disruption could be responsible for the hallucinatory experiences and the profound sense of disconnection often reported by those who use the drug.
This research was part of a broader project aimed at understanding Huntington’s disease, a genetic condition that progressively damages the brain.
The researchers chose to study sheep because these animals are recognized as a good model for studying human brain disorders, including Huntington’s disease. Sheep have similar brain structures and functions, making them a valuable resource for pre-clinical research.
During the study, six sheep were given a high dose of ketamine, equivalent to 24 milligrams per kilogram of body weight. This dose is at the upper end of what is used for anesthesia.
Interestingly, even at lower doses, the researchers observed similar brain activity patterns. But what truly surprised the team was that, within just two minutes of receiving the high dose, the brain activity in five of the six sheep completely stopped for a brief period.
One sheep’s brain activity paused for several minutes—a phenomenon that had never been documented before in ketamine research.
The researchers believe that this complete halt in brain activity may correspond to a state described by ketamine abusers as the “K-hole.”
This term refers to a profound, near-death-like experience characterized by a sense of total oblivion, followed by feelings of deep calm and serenity.
In recreational use, ketamine is often taken in much higher doses than those given to the sheep in this study, leading to more intense effects and greater risks.
The team also warned that these high doses, often sought by those looking for a stronger experience, can be extremely dangerous. They noted that such doses can cause significant harm, including liver damage, heart failure, and even death.
Despite these risks, ketamine continues to be used in controlled medical settings, particularly for pain relief in situations like battlefield injuries or severe accidents.
Beyond its role as an anesthetic, ketamine has recently gained attention as a potential treatment for mental health conditions such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
However, despite its growing use in these areas, scientists still know relatively little about how ketamine affects brain function at these lower doses. This study provides crucial insights, but it also highlights the need for further research to fully understand the drug’s impact on the brain.
For those interested in mental health, especially conditions like depression, these findings underscore the importance of being informed about the treatments available.
While ketamine shows promise, it is essential to approach its use with caution and under proper medical supervision.
The study was led by Professor Jenny Morton and published in the journal Scientific Reports.
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