Opiatergic mechanisms of cardioprotective and antiarrhythmic effects of adaptation

Abstract

Adaptation to hypoxia and short-term immobilization stress, as well as preconditioning with Rhodiolae rosea extract produces pronounced antiarrhythmic and cardioprotective effects in the model of adrenergic damage to the heart. Preliminary blockade of opioid receptor significantly decreases the protective effect of adaptation. Using selective opiate receptor antagonists (naltrindole, ICI 174,864, and norbinaltorphimine) we show that the antiarrhythmic effect of adaptation is mediated predominantly via activation ofk-receptors, and to a lesser extent μ-and σ-receptors.