Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 19, 2026

In Vivo SiRNA Transfection and Gene Knockdown in Spinal Cord via Rapid Noninvasive Lumbar Intrathecal Injections in Mice
Published on: March 22, 2014
Selective kappa opioid agonist for spinal analgesia without the risk of respiratory depression
Abstract:
The effects of the selective kappa agonist, U-50,488H, on the motor response to noxious mechanical stimulation when administered intrathecally, as well as on respiratory rate and PaCO2 when administered by intracerebroventricular injection, were compared with those of morphine in experiments on rats. The agonist U-50,488H caused a dose-dependent increase in the threshold to noxious stimulation but did not have a potential for depression of resting ventilation. The results suggest that selective kappa opioid agonists may be suitable for clinical spinal (epidural) analgesia without the associated risk of respiratory depression.
Related Concept Videos
Local Anesthetics: Clinical Application as Spinal Anesthesia
Local Anesthetics: Clinical Application as Epidural Anesthesia
Since epidural anesthetics can be infused through an epidural catheter, all types of drugs, including short-acting ones, can be administered. Chloroprocaine and lidocaine are examples of short and long-duration anesthetics, respectively. Bupivacaine...
Opioid Receptors: Overview
Analgesia and Pain Management
Opioid Analgesics: Morphine and Other Natural Cogeners
Opioid Analgesics: Synthetic and Semisynthetic Opioids

