Related Experiment Videos
[Effect of opioids on granulocyte adherence].
W Krumholz1, C Weber, S Käbisch
1Abteilung für Anaesthesiologie und operative Intensivmedizin, Justus-Liebig-Universität Giessen.
Anasthesie, Intensivtherapie, Notfallmedizin
|December 1, 1988
Summary
Opioid analgesics like fentanyl and morphine did not affect polymorphonuclear neutrophilic granulocyte (PMN) adherence in vitro. This suggests opioids do not increase the risk of postoperative bacterial infections by impairing PMN function.
Area of Science:
- Anesthesiology
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Opioid analgesics are commonly used for pain management post-surgery.
- Concerns exist regarding potential immunosuppressive effects of opioids.
- Polymorphonuclear neutrophilic granulocytes (PMNs) play a crucial role in combating bacterial infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in vitro effect of clinically relevant concentrations of common opioid analgesics on PMN adherence.
- To determine if opioid administration could increase the risk of postoperative bacterial infections through impaired PMN function.
Main Methods:
- In vitro study design.
- Utilized nylon fibre columns to assess PMN adherence.
- Tested fentanyl, alfentanil, morphine, pethidine, and buprenorphine at clinically relevant concentrations.
Main Results:
- None of the tested opioid analgesics demonstrated a significant (p < 0.05) effect on PMN adherence.
- No evidence of opioid-induced impairment of PMN adherence was observed.
Conclusions:
- Opioid analgesics, at clinically relevant concentrations, do not appear to impair PMN adherence in vitro.
- The study found no evidence to support the hypothesis that opioids increase the risk of postoperative bacterial infections by affecting PMN adherence.