Abstract
Use of selective delta opioid antagonists provide evidence that the delta receptor within the brain seems an integrated part in the mediation of respiratory depression induced by a potent analgesic like fentanyl. Low doses of the delta antagonists RX-8008M (3–6 µg/kg) as well as ICI 174,864 (3–6 µg/kg) reversed fentanyl-related respiratory depression (arterial blood gases) in the unanesthetized canine. Opioid-induced blockade of afferent sensory nerve volleys (amplitude height of the somatosensory-evoked potential) could be reversed only by a high dose (9 µg/kg) of RX-8008M. Depression of amplitude height of the SEP could not be reversed by ICI 174,864 over the whole dose range (3–6–9 µg/kg). In comparison, naloxone (1–5–10 µg/kg) not only reversed depression of P aO2, it also reversed the blockade of afferent sensory nerve impulses in the low (5-µg/kg)-dose range. A highly selective delta antagonist may have a therapeutic value in reversing opioid-related respiratory depression, resulting in little or no attenuation of analgesia.
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Freye, E., Schnitzler, M. & Schenk, G. Opioid-Induced Respiratory Depression and Analgesia May Be Mediated by Different Subreceptors. Pharm Res 8, 196–199 (1991). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1015887919560
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1015887919560