Abstract
To determine the role of the opioids in the control of the cardiovascular system in awake ambulatory subjects, eight healthy men were infused with a high dose of naloxone (10 mg bolus plus 7 mg/hr), or saline placebo, for 12 hr. Ambulatory monitoring of blood pressure and heart rate every 10 min indicated no differences between trials for blood pressure ( p>0.80), but a significant difference for the maximal heart rate response during stair climbing or 1 km walks ( p<0.02). Plasma cortisol concentration were increased during the naloxone trials ( p<0.05), as was total urinary epinephrine and dopamine output ( p=0.005 and <0.03, respectively). Plasma FSH and LH concentrations were elevated during naloxone infusion (FSH: p<0.02, LH: p<0.01), but neither exercise or mental tasks significantly altered their levels ( p>0.20). The cardiovascular responses during moderate mental tasks were not affected by naloxone ( p>0.05). These results indicate that in the normal ambulatory state the opioid system has a minor role in cardiovascular regulation, as demonstrated by the urinary catecholamines. Its role becomes more evident when considerable stress in imposed.
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