Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 21, 2026
09:21
Optimized Management of Endovascular Treatment for Acute Ischemic Stroke
Published on: January 18, 2018
12.5K
Opioid antagonists as potential therapeutics for ischemic stroke
Nadia Peyravian1, Emre Dikici1, Sapna Deo1
1Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, USA; Dr. JT Macdonald Foundation Biomedical Nanotechnology Institute of the University of Miami, USA.
Progress in Neurobiology
|August 10, 2019
Summary
Opioid antagonists may protect the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and reduce stroke severity. Repurposing these drugs offers a new neuroprotective strategy for ischemic stroke recovery.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- Chronic prescription opioid use increases ischemic stroke risk and severity.
- Stroke causes millions of deaths globally, with limited neuroprotective treatments.
- Opioids disrupt the blood-brain barrier (BBB), contributing to stroke pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To address the lack of effective pharmacological options for stroke.
- To explore repurposing FDA-approved opioid antagonists as a neuroprotective therapy.
- To investigate the potential of opioid antagonists in minimizing BBB damage and promoting neural recovery.
Main Methods:
- Perspective review of existing literature on opioids, BBB, and stroke.
- Analysis of the potential therapeutic mechanisms of opioid antagonists.
- Discussion of future drug design and delivery strategies.
Main Results:
- Opioid antagonists show promise in protecting the BBB from opioid-induced damage.
- Repurposing opioid antagonists could reduce stroke severity and improve outcomes.
- Novel therapeutic strategies targeting BBB protection are needed.
Conclusions:
- Opioid antagonists represent a potential neuroprotective strategy for ischemic stroke.
- Minimizing BBB damage is crucial for stroke recovery.
- Further research into drug design and delivery is warranted for this novel therapeutic approach.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Cholinergic Antagonists: Therapeutic Uses
1.4K
Antimuscarinic drugs have various therapeutic applications by inhibiting parasympathetic stimulation in different systems. Here are the key therapeutic uses of antimuscarinics:
Respiratory Tract: Ipratropium, aclidinium, and tiotropium treat asthma, chronic bronchitis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). They protect against bronchoconstriction caused by irritants like cigarette smoke, sulfur dioxide, and ozone. They also help reduce nasopharyngeal...
Respiratory Tract: Ipratropium, aclidinium, and tiotropium treat asthma, chronic bronchitis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). They protect against bronchoconstriction caused by irritants like cigarette smoke, sulfur dioxide, and ozone. They also help reduce nasopharyngeal...
1.4K
01:15Opioid Analgesics: Synthetic and Semisynthetic Opioids
948
Synthetic and semisynthetic opioids are pivotal in pain management and tackling opioid addiction. Semisynthetic opioids, including morphinans (morphine derivatives), oxycodone, oxymorphone, hydrocodone, and hydromorphone, have improved pharmacokinetic profiles compared to morphine. Additionally, heroin and 6-MAM (6-Monoacetylmorphine) show better CNS penetration than morphine due to heightened lipid solubility. Hydromorphone, a potent opioid, undergoes hepatic metabolism to form the active...
948
01:22Opioid Receptors: Overview
4.1K
Opioid receptors, including the mu (μ, MOR), delta (δ, DOR), and kappa (κ, KOR) types, belong to the rhodopsin family of G protein-coupled receptors. These receptors are located throughout the central and peripheral nervous systems and in non-neuronal tissues such as macrophages and astrocytes. Opioid receptor ligands can be categorized into agonists or antagonists. Highly selective agonists include [d-Ala2, MePhe4, Gly(ol)5]-enkephalin or DAMGO for MOR, [D-Pen2,...
4.1K
01:20Opioid Analgesics: Morphine and Other Natural Cogeners
880
Opioids are a class of drugs that mimic endogenous opioid peptides and act on opioid receptors, and help in pain relief. These compounds are classified as natural, synthetic, or semi-synthetic. Natural opioids, like morphine, codeine, and thebaine, are derived from the opium poppy plant (Papaver somniferum or Papaver album) and are termed opiates. Synthetic opioids are artificial, while semi-synthetic opioids combine natural and synthetic compounds. Morphine, a prototypical opioid, possesses a...
880
01:17Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Opioids as Antidiarrheal Agents
625
Diarrhea, a condition marked by frequent loose or watery bowel movements, can be triggered by multiple factors such as viral or bacterial infections, food intolerances, anxiety, medications, and digestive disorders. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, and cramping. Severe or prolonged diarrhea can lead to complications like electrolyte imbalances, malnutrition, and dehydration if left untreated.
Opioids, widely used antidiarrheal agents, mitigate diarrhea by slowing down...
Opioids, widely used antidiarrheal agents, mitigate diarrhea by slowing down...
625
01:24Cholinergic Antagonists: Pharmacokinetics
914
Cholinergic antagonists—such as antimuscarinics—are available in oral, topical, ocular, parenteral, and inhalational formulations. Most antimuscarinics are oral formulations, while scopolamine is available as a topical patch, and ipratropium and tiotropium are available as inhalation aerosols or powders. Atropine, tropicamide, and cyclopentolate are topically instilled in the eye. Most antimuscarinics are lipid-soluble and readily absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and...
914