Abstract
Opioid antagonists have been shown to prevent the occurrence of lethal arrhythmias following coronary reperfusion. In this study, we have examined the effect of a new, long-lasting, potent opioid antagonist, nalmefene, and congeners in the prevention of reperfusion arrhythmias in dogs, Nalmefene given at a dose of I mg/kg i.v. reduced the incidence of reperfusion arrhythmias significantly when compared to the saline control. Neither N-methyl nalmefene, a quaternary analog that does not cross the blood brain barrier, nor (+) nalmefene, an isomer with no anti-opioid actions, provided any protection against reperfusion arrhythmias. Regional myocardial blood flow profiles, during and after coronary occlusion, were not different between the nalmefene- and saline-treated groups. We conclude that nalmefene prevents the occurrence of reperfusion-induced arrhythmias by blocking opioid receptors in the brain.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 161-166 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Pharmacology |
Volume | 41 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jan 1 1990 |
Keywords
- Arrhythmias
- Coronary
- Nalmefene
- Occlusion
- Opioid antagonist
- Reperfusion
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Pharmacology