Abstract
The involvement of different opiate receptor subtypes in opiate-induced respiratory depression was studied in the unanaesthetized rat. Synthetic opioid agonists, specific for μ or δ receptors, were administered intraperitoneally in freely moving rats while respiratory parameters were recorded by means of the whole body plethysmographic method. TRIMU-4 (Tyr-D-Ala-Gly-NH-CH(CH 3)-CH 2-CH(CH 3) 2), a specific agonist of the μ receptor, reduced the tidal volume and did not change the respiratory frequency. DSLET (Tyr-D-Ser-Gly-Phe-Leu-Thr), a relatively specific agonist of the δ receptor subtype, reduced respiratory frequency and was significantly less effective on tidal volume than was TRIMU-4. It is concluded that the respiratory depression occurring after the administration of opiates in clinical practice is a dual complementary effect involving μ and δ receptors.
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