Local myotoxicity of ketamine hydrochloride in the marmoset.

An investigation of raised plasma aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in marmosets after intramuscular ketamine injection suggested a local myotoxicity. This was confirmed by a range of histopathological findings from myofibrillar striation loss to necrosis. In addition to the elevations in AST levels, creatine kinase and the lactate dehydrogenase-5 isoenzyme levels were elevated. It was further demonstrated that, although the physical properties of the injectable solution (pH, osmolality) and to a lesser extent the injection procedure itself caused slight changes in plasma enzyme levels, the ketamine was predominantly responsible for the lesion. No hepatic interactions were seen. This effect should be taken into consideration when this anaesthetic is used in the marmoset if the primary objectives of the experiment entail routine blood analyses.