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The effect of DAMGO on the preBötzinger Complex (preBC) in young and adult rabbits
Author(s) -
Stucke Astrid G,
Zuperku Edward J,
Geissinger Nicole M,
Hopp Francis A,
Prkic Ivana,
Stuth Eckehard A
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.26.1_supplement.lb826
Subject(s) - damgo , opioid , (+) naloxone , anesthesia , apnea , medicine , enkephalin , opioid antagonist , chemistry , receptor
In vitro studies suggest the preBC as the site of opioid‐induced respiratory depression. This study evaluated the effect of injections of the mu‐opioid agonist [D‐Ala2, N‐MePhe4, Gly‐ol]‐enkephalin (DAMGO) into the preBC in young (13–24 days) and adult rabbits, which were decerebrate, tracheotomized, ventilated and vagus‐intact. The preBC was identified by injection of D,L‐homocysteic acid (1mM). DAMGO (100μM) was injected into the preBC and 1mm rostral and 1mm caudal on both sides of the brainstem. When bradypnea or apnea ensued, the opioid antagonist naloxone (1mM) was injected into the same locations. In 9 young rabbits, DAMGO caused significant bradypnea or apnea. Local naloxone reversed this depression. In 3/6 adult rabbits DAMGO injection into the preBC caused apnea, which was reversible with local naloxone. In the other three animals, DAMGO had no effect. In conclusion, opioid injection into the preBC causes respiratory depression in young but not in all adult rabbits. It remains to be seen whether this effect is still relevant at clinical opioid concentrations. Supported by FAER grant MRTG‐BS‐02/15/2010‐Stucke.