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Decrease in vascular resistance in the isolated canine hindlimb after graded doses of alfentanil, fentanyl, and
D A White1, J A Reitan, N D Kien
1Department of Anesthesiology, University of California School of Medicine, Davis 95616.
Anesthesia and Analgesia
|July 1, 1990
Summary
Three synthetic opioids, alfentanil, fentanyl, and sufentanil, cause vasodilation by acting directly on vascular smooth muscle. This effect was consistent across equivalent doses and unaffected by denervation or naloxone.
Area of Science:
- Anesthesiology
- Pharmacology
- Cardiovascular Physiology
Background:
- Opioids are commonly used for anesthesia and analgesia.
- Understanding their direct effects on the vasculature is crucial for safe clinical application.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the direct vascular effects of three synthetic opioids: alfentanil, fentanyl, and sufentanil.
- To determine if these opioids cause vasodilation through direct action on peripheral vascular smooth muscle.
Main Methods:
- Isolated hindlimb preparation in dogs under halothane anesthesia.
- Extracorporeal perfusion with measurement of vascular resistance.
- Infusion of graded doses of alfentanil, fentanyl, and sufentanil.
Main Results:
- All three synthetic opioids significantly decreased peripheral vascular resistance in a dose-dependent manner.
- Equivalent doses of alfentanil, fentanyl, and sufentanil produced similar reductions in vascular resistance.
- The vasodilatory effect was independent of surgical denervation and naloxone pretreatment.
Conclusions:
- Alfentanil, fentanyl, and sufentanil directly induce vasodilation.
- The peripheral vascular smooth muscle is the primary site of action for these opioid-induced vasodilatory effects.