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Chamoun K, Chevillard L, Hajj A, Callebert J, Mégarbane B. Mechanisms of Neurorespiratory Toxicity Induced by Fentanyl Analogs—Lessons from Animal Studies. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:ph16030382. [PMID: 36986482 PMCID: PMC10051837 DOI: 10.3390/ph16030382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In 2020, fentanyl and its analogs contributed to ~65% of drug-attributed fatalities in the USA, with a threatening increasing trend during the last ten years. These synthetic opioids used as potent analgesics in human and veterinary medicine have been diverted to recreational aims, illegally produced and sold. Like all opioids, central nervous system depression resulting from overdose or misuse of fentanyl analogs is characterized clinically by the onset of consciousness impairment, pinpoint miosis and bradypnea. However, contrasting with what observed with most opioids, thoracic rigidity may occur rapidly with fentanyl analogs, contributing to increasing the risk of death in the absence of immediate life support. Various mechanisms have been proposed to explain this particularity associated with fentanyl analogs, including the activation of noradrenergic and glutamatergic coerulospinal neurons and dopaminergic basal ganglia neurons. Due to the high affinities to the mu-opioid receptor, the need for more elevated naloxone doses than usually required in morphine overdose to reverse the neurorespiratory depression induced by fentanyl analogs has been questioned. This review on the neurorespiratory toxicity of fentanyl and analogs highlights the need for specific research focused on these agents to better understand the involved mechanisms of toxicity and develop dedicated strategies to limit the resulting fatalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karam Chamoun
- Inserm, UMR-S1144, Paris Cité University, 75006 Paris, France
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Saint-Joseph University, Beirut 1100, Lebanon
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Clinical Pharmacy, and Medicine Quality Control, Saint-Joseph University, Beirut 1100, Lebanon
| | | | - Aline Hajj
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Saint-Joseph University, Beirut 1100, Lebanon
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Clinical Pharmacy, and Medicine Quality Control, Saint-Joseph University, Beirut 1100, Lebanon
- Research Center, Quebec University Hospital, Laval University, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Jacques Callebert
- Inserm, UMR-S1144, Paris Cité University, 75006 Paris, France
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, AP-HP, Lariboisière Hospital, 75010 Paris, France
| | - Bruno Mégarbane
- Inserm, UMR-S1144, Paris Cité University, 75006 Paris, France
- Department of Medical and Toxicological Critical Care, Lariboisière Hospital, Federation of Toxicology APHP, 75010 Paris, France
- Correspondence:
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Sasaki K, Rabozzi R, Kasai S, Ikeda K, Ishikawa T. Fentanyl-induced muscle rigidity in a dog during weaning from mechanical ventilation after emergency abdominal surgery: A case report. Vet Med Sci 2022; 9:37-42. [PMID: 36409227 PMCID: PMC9857132 DOI: 10.1002/vms3.1001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
A 22.5-kg, 8.4-year-old female mixed breed dog was presented for an emergency ovariohysterectomy for pyometra. No neurological abnormalities were observed on preoperative physical examination. Surgery was completed uneventfully under fentanyl- and sevoflurane-based anaesthesia. Cardiorespiratory indices remained stable under mechanical ventilation throughout the procedure. Approximately 23 min after the discontinuation of fentanyl infusion, the investigator noticed jaw closure and stiffness and thoraco-abdominal muscle rigidity. To rule out fentanyl-induced muscle rigidity, naloxone was administered. Following administration of naloxone, there was a return of spontaneous respiratory effort, indicated by capnogram and visible chest wall excursion. Based on the clinical signs and response to naloxone administration, the dog was diagnosed with suspected fentanyl-induced muscle rigidity. Six minutes after the return of spontaneous respiration, the dog was extubated uneventfully without additional naloxone administration. During 4 days of postoperative hospitalization, no recurrent muscle rigidity was observed, and the patient was discharged safely. The total dose of fentanyl administered was 0.61 mg (27 μg kg-1 ).
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazumasu Sasaki
- Small Animal Emergency and Critical Care ServiceSendai Animal Care and Research CenterSendaiJapan,Research Institute for Brain and Blood VesselsAkita Cerebrospinal and Cardiovascular CenterAkitaJapan,Addictive Substance ProjectTokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical ScienceTokyoJapan
| | | | - Shinya Kasai
- Addictive Substance ProjectTokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical ScienceTokyoJapan
| | - Kazutaka Ikeda
- Addictive Substance ProjectTokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical ScienceTokyoJapan
| | - Tatsuya Ishikawa
- Research Institute for Brain and Blood VesselsAkita Cerebrospinal and Cardiovascular CenterAkitaJapan
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Haouzi P, Tubbs N. Effects of fentanyl overdose-induced muscle rigidity and dexmedetomidine on respiratory mechanics and pulmonary gas exchange in sedated rats. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2022; 132:1407-1422. [PMID: 35421320 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00819.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of our study was to establish in sedated rats the consequences of high-dose fentanyl-induced acute muscle rigidity on the mechanical properties of the respiratory system and on the metabolic rate. Doses of fentanyl that we have previously shown to produce persistent rigidity of the muscles of the limbs and trunk in the rat (150 -300 microg/kg iv), were administered in 23 volume-controlled mechanically ventilated and sedated rats. The effects of a low dose of the FDA approved central alpha-2 agonist, dexmedetomidine (3 microg/kg iv), which has been suggested to oppose fentanyl-induced muscle rigidity, were determined after fentanyl administration. Fentanyl produced a significant decrease in Crs in the 23 rats that were studied. In 13 rats, an abrupt response occurred within 90 seconds, consisting in rapid rhythmic contractions of most skeletal muscles, that were replaced by persistent tonic/tetanic contractions leading a significant decrease of Crs (from 0.51 ± 0.11 ml/cmH2O to 0.36 ± 0.08 ml/cmH2O, 3 minutes after fentanyl injection). In the other 10 animals, a Crs progressively decreased to 0.26 ± 0.06 ml/cmH2O at 30 minutes. There was a significant rise in V̇O2 during muscle tonic contractions (from 8.48 ± 4.31 to 11.29 ± 2.57 ml/min), which contributed to a significant hypoxemia, despite ventilation being held constant. Dexmedetomidine provoked a significant and rapid increase in Crs towards baseline levels, while decreasing the metabolic rate and restoring normoxemia. We propose that the changes in respiratory mechanics and metabolism produced by opioid-induced muscle rigidity contribute to fentanyl lethality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philippe Haouzi
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Pennsylvania State University, College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States
| | - Nicole Tubbs
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Pennsylvania State University, College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States
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Dörfelt R, Ambrisko TD, Moens Y. Influence of fentanyl on intra-abdominal pressure during laparoscopy in dogs. Vet Anaesth Analg 2012; 39:390-7. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1467-2995.2012.00710.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Lee TY, Fu MJ, Lui PW, Chan SH. Involvement of potassium and calcium channels at the locus coeruleus in fentanyl-induced muscular rigidity in the rat. Neurosci Lett 1995; 199:195-8. [PMID: 8577396 DOI: 10.1016/0304-3940(95)12049-a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Previous work from our laboratory suggested that Go alpha protein at the locus coeruleus (LC) may be involved in the signal transduction process that underlies muscular rigidity induced by fentanyl. The present study further evaluated the roles of K+ and L-type Ca2+ channels, gating of which is known to be associated with activation of Go alpha protein, in this process, using Sprague-Dawley rats anesthetized with ketamine. Bilateral microinjection into the LC of tetraethylammonium chloride (100 or 200 pmol), a K+ channel blocker, and S(-)-Bay K 8644 (0.5 nmol), a Ca2+ channel activator, produced significant antagonization of the EMG activation elicited by fentanyl (100 micrograms/kg, i.v.), as recorded from the sacrococcygeus dorsalis lateralis muscle. On the other hand, local application to the bilateral LC of diazoxide (10 or 20 nmol), an ATP-dependent K+ channel activator, and nifedipine (0.25 or 0.5 pmol), a L-type Ca2+ channel blocker, was ineffective in blunting fentanyl-induced muscular rigidity. These results suggest that activation of K+ channels and/or inhibition of L-type Ca2+ channels secondary to triggering of the Go alpha protein at the LC may underlie the signal transduction process in the mediation of fentanyl-induced muscular rigidity.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Y Lee
- Department of Anesthesiology, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
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Lee TY, Fu MJ, Lui PW, Chan S. Subtypes of Guanine-Nucleotide-Binding Regulatory Proteins at the Locus coeruleus Involved in Fentanyl-Induced Muscular Rigidity in the Rat. J Biomed Sci 1995; 2:263-271. [PMID: 11725063 DOI: 10.1007/bf02253387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous results from our laboratory have established that the G(o) subtype of guanine nucleotide (GTP)-binding regulatory protein at the locus coeruleus (LC) may participate in the elicitation of muscular rigidity by fentanyl. The present study further examined the involvement of other subtypes of GTP-binding regulatory proteins at the LC in this process, using Sprague-Dawley rats anesthetized with ketamine (120 mg/kg, i.p., with 30 mg/kg/h i.v. infusion supplements) and under mechanical ventilation. Intravenous administration of fentanyl (100 &mgr;g/kg) induced a significant increase in electromyographic signals recorded from the sacrococcygeus dorsi lateralis muscle. Power spectral analysis revealed that this was accomplished by a decrease in the mean power frequency and an increase in the root mean square values of the signals. The above responses were appreciably antagonized by pretreating animals with bilateral microinjection into the LC of pertussis toxin (80 or 160 fmol), N-ethylmaleimide (16 pmol) or 1-(5-isoquinolinesulfonyl)-2-methylpiperazine (100 or 200 fmol); but not by cholera toxin (120 or 240 fmol), forskolin (240 or 480 pmol) or N-ethylmaleimide at a higher dose (32 pmol). These results suggest that, in addition to G(o) protein, fentanyl-induced muscular rigidity may also involve other pertussis toxin-sensitive GTP-binding regulatory proteins, possibly G(i) and G(p) subtypes, in the signal transduction processes following activation of &mgr;-opioid receptors at the LC. Copyright 1995 S. Karger AG, Basel
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Affiliation(s)
- T.-Y. Lee
- Department of Anesthesiology, Veterans General Hospital-Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
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Weinger MB, Chen DY, Lin T, Lau C, Koob GF, Smith NT. A role for CNS alpha-2 adrenergic receptors in opiate-induced muscle rigidity in the rat. Brain Res 1995; 669:10-8. [PMID: 7712151 DOI: 10.1016/0006-8993(94)01216-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
A number of potential neurochemical mediators of opiate-induced muscle rigidity have been proposed based on the results of systemic drug studies and on knowledge of the brain sites implicated in opiate rigidity. The effects of i.c.v. pretreatment with selected opioidergic, alpha adrenergic and serotonergic drugs on muscle rigidity induced with systemic injection of the potent opiate agonist alfentanil (ALF) were investigated in spontaneously ventilating rats. The opiate antagonist methylnaloxonium (MN; 0.2-14 nmol), alpha-2 adrenergic agonists dexmedetomidine (DEX; 0.4-42 nmol) or 2-(2,6-diethylphenylamino)-2-imidazoline hydrochloride (ST91; 4-400 nmol), alpha-1 adrenergic antagonist prazosin (PRZ; 7-70 nmol) or serotonergic antagonist ketanserin (KET; 18-550 nmol) were injected i.c.v. (10 microliters) and ALF (500 micrograms/kg s.c.) was administered 10 min later. S.c. electrodes were used to record gastrocnemius electromyographic activity. Both MN and DEX dose-dependently and potently antagonized ALF-induced rigidity. ST91 produced shorter-lived, less profound, antagonism of ALF rigidity. PRZ, at the highest dose tested, produced a delayed and modest reduction in ALF rigidity. A large, non-selective, dose of KET incompletely attenuated ALF rigidity. These results lend support to the hypothesis that central opioid and alpha-2 adrenergic receptors mediate opiate-induced muscle rigidity in the rat.
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Affiliation(s)
- M B Weinger
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of California at San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla 92093
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