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Published on: April 26, 2015
Opioids and cardioprotection
1Department of Molecular Genetics, Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Cincinnati, College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0529, USA.
Pharmacology & Therapeutics
|April 24, 2001
Summary
Opioid receptor activation provides significant cardioprotection, reducing heart attack damage. These findings suggest opioids could treat myocardial infarction pain and limit infarct size, potentially benefiting patients soon.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Pharmacology
- Molecular Cardiology
- Pain Management
Background:
- Opioid peptides and exogenous opioids like morphine impact cardiovascular function.
- The cardioprotective effects of opioid receptor activation in reducing infarct size were previously unappreciated.
- Ischemic preconditioning's protective effects can be blocked by opioid receptor antagonists.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the cardioprotective effects of opioid receptor activation.
- To explore the mechanisms underlying opioid-mediated cardioprotection.
- To assess the potential clinical application of opioids in myocardial infarction.
Main Methods:
- Review of studies investigating opioid effects on cardiovascular function and infarct size.
- Examination of the role of specific opioid receptor subtypes (e.g., delta1-opioid receptors).
- Analysis of signaling pathways involved, including Gi/o proteins, protein kinase C, and mitochondrial KATP channels.
Main Results:
- Activation of specific opioid receptors confers potent cardioprotection, reducing infarct size in experimental models.
- Selective delta(1)-opioid receptor agonists demonstrate significant cardioprotective effects.
- Opioid-mediated protection involves Gi/o proteins, protein kinase C, and mitochondrial KATP channels, with immediate and delayed effects.
Conclusions:
- Opioid receptor agonists show promise for reducing myocardial infarct size.
- Opioids may offer a dual benefit in myocardial infarction: pain relief and infarct size reduction.
- Clinical application of existing opioid drugs for cardioprotection may be feasible with minimal further development.
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