Abstract:Objective: To observe the effect of repeated combined injection of ketamine and clonidine for the treatment of rat adjuvant monoarthritis. Method: Rats with ankle monoarthritis were given subcutaneous(s.c.) injection of ketamine (fixed dose) and clonidine (varing doses), once a day, 5 times per week for a total of 4 weeks. Scores of pain were tested by dorsal flexion of ankle joint. Percent increase of body weight was taken as an index of general condition, and the swelling degree was expressed by the change of circumference of ankle. Results: (1) The combined injection of ketamine and clonidine in a ratio of 5mg/kg:20g/kg or 5mg/kg:40g/kg produced significantly more potent analgesia than that of injection of ketamine(10mg/kg) or clonidine(40 or 80g/kg) alone. (2) The sweelling degree of the inflamed ankle showed no significant difference between the combined injection group and the single injection group. (3) No significant changes were observed in body weight between the groups. Conclusions: Repeated injections of optimal combination of ketamine and clonidine produced synergistic analgesia without significant aversive side effects.