Work

The role of central versus peripheral opioid receptors in fentanyl-induced brain hypoxia

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: It is widely believed that opioids cause brain hypoxia through direct central nervous system action. This was challenged using naloxone-methiodide, which is believed to not cross the blood-brain barrier. However, mass-spectrometry data show limited brain entry, sufficient to block fentanyl-induced hypoxia. Our data reveal that naloxone is effective at 40 and 8 μg/kg doses, whereas naloxone-methiodide is not selective for peripheral opioid receptors. Its effects at higher doses arise mainly from central opioid receptor blockade.

Source: Journal of Neurophysiology

DOI: 10.1152/jn.00504.2025

Authors: Eugene A. Kiyatkin, Feonil G. Limiac, Michael R. Noya, Juan L. Gomez, Michael Michaelides, Yavin Shaham

Institution: National Institutes of Health

Language: English

Topic: Neuropeptides and Animal Physiology

Subfield: Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience

Field: Neuroscience

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Funder: National Institute on Drug Abuse