Antagonism of pentobarbitone-induced respiratory depression by naloxone in rats

The effects of naloxone, pentobarbitone, or their combination, on arterial blood gases were studied in urethane-anaesthetised rats. Naloxone itself did not significantly alter the blood gases. Pentobarbitone significantly decreased PO2 and elevated PCO2, and these effects were prevented by pretreatment with naloxone. Arterial blood pH was unaffected by any of the drugs. The findings suggest that naloxone lacks a specific analeptic effect, but can antagonise respiratory depression induced by pentobarbitone.