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Endogenous opioids modulate ventilation in the obese Zucker rat
1Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of South Dakota, Vermillion 57069, USA.
Respiration Physiology
|January 1, 1995
Summary
Endogenous opioids modulate ventilation in obese Zucker rats. Naloxone, an opioid receptor antagonist, revealed distinct responses in young and mature rats, highlighting obesity
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Neuroscience
- Respiratory Medicine
Background:
- Endogenous opioids play a role in respiratory control.
- Obesity can alter ventilatory control mechanisms.
- Zucker rats are a model for studying obesity-related physiological changes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the modulatory effect of endogenous opioids on ventilation.
- To compare these effects in lean versus obese Zucker rats of different ages.
- To assess the obese Zucker rat as a model for ventilatory control abnormalities.
Main Methods:
- Subcutaneous administration of naloxone (opioid receptor antagonist) or saline in awake rats.
- Measurement of ventilation under normal air conditions.
- Assessment of ventilatory response to hypoxic and hypercapnic challenges.
Main Results:
- Young, obese Zucker rats showed increased ventilation with naloxone, unlike lean rats.
- Older, morbidly obese rats had blunted responses to hypoxia and hypercapnia.
- Older lean rats showed increased ventilation with naloxone only during hypercapnia.
Conclusions:
- Endogenous opioids significantly influence ventilation, particularly in obese Zucker rats.
- Obesity exacerbates alterations in opioid modulation of respiratory control.
- The obese Zucker rat is a suitable model for studying chest wall loading and opioid interactions in ventilatory control.