ABSTRACT
Aims: This study aims at investigating possible means of reducing cyanide toxicity by blocking NMDA R1 via ketamine (an NMDA R1 antagonist). This is to provide a template for quick arrest of cyanide toxicity in neurons under oxygen deprived condition. Place and Duration of Study: Bingham University, Department of Anatomy, Karu, Nigeria. The duration of the study was100 minutes. Methodology: Freshly harvested cortical tissue blocks were perfused in accessory cerebrospinal fluid (ACSF) containing all the necessary salts and glucose. The cultures were treated with ACSF (Control), ACSF+KCN (potassium cyanide), ACSF+KCN+Ketamine and ACSF+Ketamine for a total duration of 100 minutes at 37ºC. Results: The Ketamine had a protective and reversal effects on the tissues both for oxygen deprivation and cyanide toxicity, The cells in tissues treated with ACSF+KCN+Ketamine showed normal appearance of cell body and axonal projections, the cells treated with ACSF+Ketamine showed fewer degenerating cells compared to those treated with cyanide. Conclusion: Ketamine, an NMDA R1 antagonist is neuroprotective against the toxicity of cyanide.