Low-dose ketamine affects immune responses in humans during the early postoperative period

Addition of small doses of ketamine before induction of anaesthesia resulted in attenuation of secretion of the proinflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α, and in preservation of IL-2 production at its preoperative level. It is suggested that this anaesthetic may be of value in preventing immune function alterations in the early postoperative period.